The project showed the feasibility of raising tilapia, a native fish of Middle Eastern waters, in areas where water is not as plentiful as in other sections rich in aquifers or mountain streams. Three years ago, division and university officials began a similar project with a trout barn in Fletcher. The demonstration project has bolstered the state s standing as the second-largest producer of trout. Energy Division officials expect the aquaculture conference to attract a growing group to the possibility of having fish farming as a viable cash producer. A recent report by the Oregon Department of Energy says telecommuting could be one of Oregon s most effective strategies in the coming years for reducing auto travel.
Telecommuting has the potential to stem the growth in auto travel.
Telecommuting is using telephones, computers and other equipment to work at home or at an office near home one or more days a week, instead of commuting to the main office or place of business. Telecommuters in the survey saved an average of 35 miles and about two trips each telecommuting day. They also reported considerable improvement in their work environment, productivity and job satisfaction since they began telecommuting. That could mean up to 50,000 fewer cars on the road during the most congested times of the day. By comparison, just 3 percent of Oregon workers use public transportation to get to work.