Government agencies are big spenders. There’s no denying it. That’s not always a good thing when the economy is suffering and private-industry wages are stagnant.

But sometimes tax-supported spending drives change in our state that leads to benefits for us all. It’s happening right now on green energy development.

Don’t snicker.

Remember those high school and college classes about supply and demand? It’s all about economics.

Acting on mandates from the past two governors, the state of Oregon is a leader in sustainability. The state is buying alternative-fuel vehicles, using ethanol and biodiesel. Those kinds of cars can cost more than traditional vehicles, but they are creating demand for a new technology. They are helping wean the nation off its reliance on fossil fuels.

And where there’s demand — big demand when the state’s buying — people in private industry will compete to profit from it. With increased demand, others will innovate. That eventually brings down the cost for us all.

Progress is happening right here at home, too.

North Bend’s move to natural gas to heat the city swimming pool is saving energy. Gas heat technically isn’t green energy, but its efficiency cuts power usage overall. It saves taxpayers money.

The city also installed energy-efficient lighting and is looking at solar power options. When it heads that direction, there will be local businesses ready to install that technology.

Coos Bay may purchase a couple of hybrid cars. The Coquille Indian Tribe is using biodiesel vehicles. The cities and tribe are recycling more and meeting energy-efficient building ratings on new construction.

These agencies generally are motivated by cost saving rather than ideology, and rightly so. Yet their actions help cut energy use and pollution. By setting an example for private businesses and consumers, they’ll help build momentum for acceptance of these new technologies.