BY SARAH ROSS

SALEM- Following his unsuccessful bid to be the next governor of Oregon, former Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury has been appointed by Governor Ted Kulongoski to a regional energy and conservation council.

The position is one of eight seats on the Pacific Northwest Electric Power and Conservation Planning Council, with two representatives from Washington, Montana, Idaho, and Oregon.

“Bill’s proven skill at bringing diverse interests together around a common cause, his passion for wild salmon and other wildlife, his love of rivers, and his extensive knowledge of climate and energy issues will make him an excellent representative for the Council,” said Kulongoski in Wednesday’s press release.

Since serving as Secretary of State, Bradbury has become known for his work with salmon restoration with For the Sake of The Salmon and his work with climate change, serving with The Climate Project.

Bradbury’s appointment to the Council will need to be confirmed by the State Senate before becoming effective on October 1.

The Council was created by federal legislation in 1980 and is tasked with developing and maintaining regional electric power and fish and wildlife protection plans.

Bradbury will follow in the footsteps of Melinda Eden, who has served on the council since 2003.

“Melinda has brought a depth of knowledge and experience to the Council, serving not only Oregon with distinction but representing the interest of the entire Pacific Northwest,” stated Kulongoski.