Michelle Wu: “the need for developing innovative and successful, sustainable development is becoming more critical as our population…”

“the need for developing innovative and successful, sustainable development is becoming more critical as our population in urban areas grows. The higher education system is in a unique position to foster new knowledge, evaluate policies, and develop new technologies addressing sustainability and its benefits to our society. I am very proud that my home State of Oregon is exhibiting, once again, independent, effective leadership on sustainability. Oregon is leading the Nation on sustainable architecture, the production of environmentally certified wood products, sustainable energy, nanotech, biotech, sustainable agriculture, and wind, hydroelectricity and solar energy. Portland State University, in my congressional district, has undertaken the sustainability initiative featuring new educational offerings such as green capital construction, multidisciplinary research, public forums and community outreach projects on sustainability. I recently toured a brand-new building there, exhibiting energy efficiencies and rainwater and other recycling programs that lead the Nation. For several years now, Portland State has been active in these efforts. In 2003, PSU launched a new program which draws on faculty and community expertise to teach 40 students the theory and practice of developing effective sustainability programs for their organizations.…”