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Minnesota House of Representatives

State Representative Joe Atkins

583 State Office BuildingState Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4192

For more information contact: Chris Shields 651-296-8873

Posted: 2007-01-19 00:00:00
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ATKINS WORKS FOR ENERGY INDEPENDENCE

ST. PAUL - State Representative Joe Atkins has lent his support to legislation requiring 25 percent of all electricity generated in Minnesota to come from renewable sources such as wind by the year 2020. Atkins has joined with Gov. Pawlenty and a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers in seeking greater use of renewable energy sources.

"With the continued uncertainty in the world, we need to lessen our dependence on fossil fuels and turn to the renewable resources we have here at home," Atkins said. "I’d rather rely less on the Mideast and more on the Midwest."

Along with the obvious security and environmental benefits that would come from a strong renewable energy industry, Atkins said there are economic benefits. The renewable energy industry generates good-paying jobs.

While some are concerned about the initial cost of generating more renewable energy, a recent Public Utilities Commission report said Minnesota utilities could use wind power for 25 percent of their electricity at no significant cost.

"If there's no significant cost to doing this, there's no reason to not pass on the savings and security to our children and grandchildren."

Atkins, who chairs the House Commerce Committee, has pledged a full hearing should the bill come through his committee.

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