Summer in Oregon: a couple of rare months of sun will be shining on what Governor Ted Kulongoski hopes are mills state employees arriving at work powered by their own steam.

The Governor today set a goal of reducing the state’s carbon footprint by 500,000 pounds of carbon—or roughly 2.5 percent—a target which will most likely be facilitated by astronomically climbing gas prices.

“It takes all of us – businesses and individuals – to diminish the threat and consequences of global warming,” Governor Kulongoski said.

“The good news is that small changes can deliver big results. By leaving your car at home one day a week – whether it’s walking to work or bicycling to the store on the weekends – we can reduce our footprint and do our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while saving money.”

The challenge spans the three months of summer, and while is does not create any new benefit or program, it might serve as a blueprint for a long term smart-commuting program.

Kulongoski kicked off his carbon emission challenge by biking to work today.