Feb. 8, 2007: Renewable Energy Bill Powers Through State Senate

Media Clip
Posted February 8th, 2007 by elena
in

Legislation designed to jump start renewable energy in Minnesota has passed the state Senate.

Minnesota News Connection
Feb. 8, 2007

Renewable Energy Bill Powers Through State Senate

St. Paul, MN - The Minnesota Senate Wednesday overwhelmingly approved legislation calling for statewide renewable energy standards. Supporters say that will help the environment, the economy, and will reduce dependence on imports. Ellen Anderson is the bill's author.

"This bill will set us on the path to have at least 25% of our energy sources to come from renewable energy by the year 2020. And, this deals with electricity across the state."

She says most of the energy would come from wind power. A similar bill is working its way through the state House, and Governor Pawlenty says he'll sign. The bill is based on an agreement by state utilities, environmental groups, businesses and lawmakers. It passed the Senate Wednesday on a 61-4 vote.

Anderson says the bill will make Minnesota a national leader in developing renewable energy.

"That means billions of dollars of investment and thousand of jobs in our state, across greater Minnesota in particular. It also means that we will be on the road towards energy independence, and trying to start to kick that habit of importing energy from other states and nations around the world. And thirdly, the environmental consequences of burning fossil fuels are very well known. And, this will help us have cleaner air, cleaner water, and less CO2 emissions coming from Minnesota."

She notes that, while wind has big potential, Minnesota can also use farm byproducts and the sun to create electricity.

Timothy Rose with Minnesota-based Fresh Energy calls the standards smart and penny-wise.

"Minnesotans are very concerned about global warming, And, they view the renewable electricity standard as a step in the right direction for global warming solutions. Secondly, many Minnesotans, particularly in rural Minnesota, view the renewable electricity standard as a way to renew and revitalize their own local econimies."

Rose says another factor is the need for energy independence from foreign sources.