Oregon Public Broadcasting

Portland is America's greenest city.

That's according to the March edition of Popular Science Magazine.

The magazine looked at cities with populations greater than 100,000.  It assigned point values based on four sweeping categories: electricity, "green living," transportation and recycling.

Portland edged out San Francisco for the top spot.

Portland Commissioner Dan Saltzman is in charge of the city's office of sustainable development.  He says he's proud to see Portland's green reputation rewarded.

Dan Saltzman: "I think it's an important economic development tool for attracting more businesses and encouraging small businesses to expand here as well.  I mean they come here for livability and they stay here for livability and this meshes well with that reputation."

Saltzman said Portland's recycling program is one of the nation's best, and only getting better.

Eugene came in at number five on the Popular Science list.  Eugene was applauded for its policy of purchasing excess power from residents who install solar panels.