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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

MN Business Leaders: Clean Energy Vital to State's Future

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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.


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