Oct. 3, 2006: "Energy Independence" Drive Kicks Off Today

Cut pollution, boost the Midwest economy, and bring the nation closer to energy independence - those are the goals of a plan released today by several dozen state and national conservation and public interest groups.

Minnesota News Connection
Oct. 3, 2006

"Energy Independence" Drive Kicks Off Today

St. Paul, MN - Energy independence and clean energy - those are the goals of a plan being released today by a coalition of Minnesota and national groups. Spokeswoman J. Drake Hamilton says it's a blueprint for smarter use of resources, and will also cut pollution and promote Midwest economic development.

"We need to put into place a set of policies and investments that will unleash the technological know-how and resources so that we can move away from dependence on oil and coal and move towards a cleaner, more secure energy future."

She says the recommendations include more transportation choices, increased use of wind, solar and farm-product resources, and promoting energy efficient homes and offices and appliances. The groups are calling for a ten percent reduction in energy use, and one-third reduction in oil consumption, by 2025.

Hamilton says public officials can do a lot to make us less dependent on fossil fuels.

"We could increase our fuel economy standards for our cars and trucks. We should be requiring more in energy savings from our homes and our offices and our appliances. And, if we did those two things, we could cut our oil imports by 80 percent."

Hamilton says Minnesota and the Midwest are home to a lot of companies on the cutting edge of the alternative energy industry - so the region can play a big role in energy independence.

Hamilton says we're too dependent on fossil fuels, such as oil, coal and natural gas.

"These fossil fuels, they're damaging our health. They're hurting our economy, because we're relying on other countries to supply them. And, they're hurting our national security. So, more and more Americans are looking for a smarter, new energy future. One that is going to make us more energy-independent. And, the Midwest should be leading the way in that."

Reporter Wrap: Energy independence and clean energy - those are the goals of a plan being released today by a coalition of Minnesota and national groups. Details from James Benjamin.

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Note to Editors: Hamilton is at 651-726-7562. The coalition's holds a news conference at 11 a.m. at 1375 St. Anthony Ave., St Paul. Coalition members include the League of Rural Voters, National Environmental Trust, Audubon Minnesota, Fresh Energy, Republicans for Environmental Protection, Public Citizen, AFSCME and the Consumer Federation of America. More online at www.uspirg.org