March 9, 2007: Minnesotans Push for National Energy Overhaul

Minnesota lawmakers are getting behind legislation to move the nation toward energy independence, boost the economy and help the environment.

MINNESOTA NEWS CONNECTION.

Washington D.C./St. Paul, MN - Legislation to steer the nation towards energy independence is getting strong support in Minnesota. The Progress Act promotes conservation, vehicle efficiency, alternative fuels and better technology. Half of Minnesota's House members back it, including Tim Walz (of Rochester).

"What this legislation would do is to start to establish the underlying framework to become energy independent. This would function like a 'Manhattan Project.' It would bring all the energy and all of the resources that we can bear to solving these issues."

He says it would establish a National Energy Security Commission to bring together government, industry and academic leaders to develop national goals and promote transit use, a freight rail system and alternatives to oil. The bill has over a hundred House co-sponsors, including Minnesota Representatives Oberstar, Ellison and McCollum.

Walz says the country needs to handle its energy needs to control its security and destiny.

"As oil goes up and down, and gas prices fluctuate up and down, there has to be more stability, and this is to have a dual purpose of moving us away from the greenhouse gasses - getting a much more sustainable future. And, I think now is the time that we know that this crisis is coming. And, let's not wait until it gets to the point where it becomes that painful. Let's do it now."

He says, while the United States may not be able to achieve total energy independence, the country can become much more self-reliant.

J. Drake Hamilton with Fresh Energy says the plan could benefit Minnesota.

"For example, we should be burning biofuels made from prairie grasses grown on Midwestern farms. We should all look forward to using plug-in hybrid cars and trucks, and having those cars and trucks be much more fuel-efficient. So, that's how we can take a leadership position on this."

She says two-thirds of oil use goes for transportation, and whatever we can do to get away from imports and towards local alternatives such as wind energy helps the economy and reduces global warming.