Virtual race for clean energy legislation starts in Beaverton

Congressman Earl Blumenauer, a vocal proponent for clean energy incentives and policies, helped kick off a virtual race to Washington on Tuesday. Dubbed the "Race for American Jobs/Clean Energy Leadership," the purpose of the event is to gather signatures from business leaders across the country. The endorsements, signed on a custom-made baton, will then be delivered to Congress on March 10th.

The tour, which started on Nike's Beaverton campus, will see day-long events in Colorado, Ohio, New Hampshire, and Washington, D.C. The signed petition will urge Congress to expedite strict climate policies in order to stimulate job growth nationwide.

According to a recent study from the University of California, proposed climate and energy policies in the Senate legislation could create 1.7 million national jobs by 2020. The same study reported that the passing of such legislation could mean a $1.4 billion boost to Oregon's economy in the same timeframe.

The event was organized by We Can Lead, a business group sponsored by Clean Economy Network and Ceres' Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy (BICEP).

The group sent a letter to Congress requesting action on climate change legislation in January.

For updated information on the race, visit We Can Lead.