Faith, energy, ag leaders collaborate on producing environmentally-friendly energy at Prairie Climate Stewardship Conference

For Immediate Release: July 11, 2008

Contact:
Renee Gopal, Prairie Stewardship Network
701-830-0345
Brad Crabtree, Great Plains Institute
701-830-0302



Faith, energy, ag leaders collaborate on producing environmentally-friendly energy for North Dakota and the nation at Prairie Climate Stewardship Conference

Bismarck – North Dakota has a daunting challenge and an incredible opportunity to produce energy for itself and the nation while protecting the climate. That was the message and the source of conversation at the first annual Prairie Climate Stewardship Conference, which started Thursday at the University of Mary in Bismarck.

More than 140 members of the faith, agriculture, business, government and environmental communities gathered at the two-day conference to address North Dakota’s role in finding global warming solutions—the first conference of its kind in the state.

“We already produce a lot more electricity than we can use in North Dakota, and we’re going to produce even more” said Governor John Hoeven (R) at the evening’s remarks. The Governor said the state’s efforts to sell power to Minnesota and states to the east will drive the economy.

Governor Hoeven cited the recent announcement of a $2 Billion wind project, which will eventually produce one thousand Megawatts of power. Hoeven said the state has more than fifteen hundred Megawatts of windpower projects coming on-line.

“We see climate change and energy as two sides of the same coin,” said Annabelle Mailins, Her Majesty’s Consul, of the British Consulate in Denver, who spoke after the Governor. Malins is the point person representing the U.K. in implementation of agreements between her government and California and other western states. She spoke of the necessity to form partnerships with other nations, states, and businesses.

“Business as usual is just not an option,” Malins said, “we need to build a low-carbon economy, because unchecked climate change will undermine the conditions for jobs and growth.”

“A secure climate is essential for our prosperity and our security,” Malins said.

U.S. Senators Kent Conrad (D-ND), Byron Dorgan (D-ND), and Congressman Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) spoke jointly via satellite.

Congressman Pomeroy said the federal government needs to find achievable, sustainable, and comprehensive ways to address global warming. He said that coal should and will play a part in the future of energy, in addition to a national grid for wind power and increased efficiency in vehicles and buildings.

Sen. Dorgan agreed it is not a matter of whether the nation will use coal but rather how and that we will need to use fossil fuels for a long time. Dorgan stressed the need to pass federal climate change legislation, but that it is essential to get these policies right as the nation moves toward a cleaner energy future.

Sen. Conrad described the exploding demand for energy in places like China and the increasing scientific concern over climate change as forcing change in U.S. energy policy.

“Lieberman Warner was a dress rehearsal,” said Conrad, referring to the recently-debated federal climate bill. Conrad stated his view that Congress will act and pass legislation in 2009 with a new president.

The conference also contained voices from the religious community. Father Paul Schuster and Rev. Cody Schuler expressed how being a good steward of the Earth is a matter of faith to them.

“I believe the way we address [climate change] says a lot about who we are and what we believe,” said Father Schuster. “Everything we do makes a difference to ourselves, to others and to God.”

They stressed the importance or taking action. “Our relationship with our Creator is in danger, and the mission of the church is at stake,” said Rev. Schuler.

Friday’s segment of the conference includes break-out sessions for strategy development. The day’s remaining speakers include Greg Ridderbusch, Great River Energy; Robert Mannes, Core Energy LLC; Mike Williams, Fargo City Commission; Lola Schoenrich, Great Plains Institute; Mark Lundberg, YHR Partners; Carl Pedersen, NDSU Extension Service; Richard Strong, University of Minnesota; Dale Enerson, National Farmers Union Carbon Credit Program; Keith Trego, ND Natural Resources Trust; Jason Schaefer, To Cross the Moon; Tom Dahle, Boy Scouts; Sam Hager, Boy Scouts.

The event’s sponsors include the Energy Foundation, Joyce Foundation, Xcel Energy, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of North Dakota, Kadrmas Lee & Jackson, Missouri River Energy Services, North Dakota Department of Agriculture, the Izaak Walton League, North Dakota Alliance for Renewable Energy Inc., Sierra Club – Dacotah Chapter, North Dakota Natural Resources Trust, and the United Church of Christ.

The conference continues Friday, July 11, at the University of Mary in Bismarck.

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