MN Business Leaders: Clean Energy Vital to State's Future
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Some Minnesota business leaders believe the clean energy legislation now before the U.S. Senate is vital for Minnesota's future economy and environment, saying it would create tens of thousands of new clean energy jobs in the state.
John Baumgartner of the Great Plains Institute says that even if some people don't believe in global warming, most believe our national security is challenged by having to purchase oil from nations hostile to the U.S. He says a new alternative-energy economy is the best and brightest opportunity to rebuild American jobs.
"This should not be a partisan issue. It should be easy for Republicans and Democrats alike to forge consensus on policy that drives toward improving our national security and rebuilding our economy."
Javiar Morillo, president of SEIU Local 26, says he sees a dire need for Americans to move into a 21st century economic plan. He says clean energy legislation is the future for the country.
"For low- and moderate-income people, the American dream is dependent on us becoming the world leader in clean energy jobs."
Some critics of climate and energy legislation say it would raise prices for consumers, but supporters says there's evidence to the contrary, with households projected to see a net savings of around 150 dollars a year by 2020.
According to the Center for American Progress, transitioning to a clean energy economy will create more than 30,000 jobs in Minnesota while reducing harmful carbon pollution and breaking U.S. dependence on foreign oil.
Opponents say the climate measure would balloon the deficit and is based on incomplete science.
The Senate bill is the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act; the U.S. House has already passed its version of the bill.
get more stories like this via email
Health and Wellness
Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…
Social Issues
Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …
Social Issues
Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …
Environment
New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …
Social Issues
Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …
Social Issues
Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…