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State Representative Rick Hansen
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-6828
For more information contact: Christina Gosack 651-296-5524
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Action On Renewable Energy Standard A Step In The Right Direction
Representative Rick Hansen and members of the House Regulated Industries Committee held an informational hearing Tuesday on the Renewable Energy Standard. This legislation would require 20% of Minnesota's energy to come from renewable sources by 2020. The day's hearing included testimony regarding local development, job creation, community-based business development and adaptation of technology. Despite broad support for this legislation, the bill did not receive a hearing during the 2005 session. Hansen welcomed Tuesday's hearing as a sign of support for renewable and reliable energy.
"Home heating and gasoline prices are skyrocketing," Rep. Hansen said. "Minnesotans are ready to discuss alternatives and my colleagues are prepared to do our part to hold the line on costs. The Renewable Energy Standard would allow Minnesotans to explore alternative energy sources that will keep our energy costs down and promote a more self-sufficient and sustainable environment."
Currently three-fourths of Minnesota's electricity comes from coal, which Minnesota does not produce, and has environmental costs in addition to energy costs. The good news, Hansen points out, is that Minnesota has most of the elements to develop coal alternatives readily available. "The result," Hansen commented, "would be diverse, reliable, renewable energy and its profits would stay in Minnesota. We can't put all our eggs in one basket. The 20% standard would generate investment technology improvements and jobs."
The legislature is not currently in session and is scheduled to reconvene March 1, 2006. By holding these informational hearings and building momentum throughout the interim, Hansen is hopeful that the Renewable Energy Standard legislation will pass in 2006.
News Items
- Rep. Rick Hansen chosen as leader of Great Lakes Legislative Caucus - (Posted: Dec 27 2012 8:34AM)
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- Looking Forward to Serving, Getting the Job Done - (Posted: 2012-11-14 00:00:00)
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