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State Representative Kim Norton
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-9249
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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RENEWABLE ENERGY STANDARD PASSES ON HOUSE FLOOR
ST. PAUL The Minnesota House of Representatives found further progress today in what has already proved to be a very successful Legislative Session by passing a renewable energy standard for Minnesota. This bill, known as the 25/25 Renewable Energy Standard, passed by an overwhelming margin of 123 to 10. It will make Minnesota a national leader in the renewable energy industry by requiring utilities to produce at least 25 percent of their total energy from new, renewable resources by the year 2025. These sources include wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, and other innovative renewable energy sources.
Representatives Kim Norton and Andy Welti of Rochester both strongly supported this bill and consider it a step in the right direction for Minnesota.
"Today Minnesota has taken the lead in the effort to get serious about alternative energy," said Rep. Kim Norton. "This renewable energy standard will bring new jobs to our state, promote investment in Minnesota industries, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil."
Currently, Minnesota imports more electricity from outside sources than any other state. Establishing this renewable energy standard will jump-start a renewable energy industry in Minnesota an industry that experts are calling the industry of the 21st Century. By passing this bill the Legislature has put our state in the position to harness a very promising economic opportunity.
"This bill will move our state in the right direction and future generations will look back to this legislation as good policy passed at a critical time, said Rep. Andy Welti. "It will provide economic stimulus in greater Minnesota creating millions of dollars in revenue to Minnesota investors creating renewable energy."
"This is a win-win situation for our state," said Rep. Norton. "Not only will this new renewable energy standard for utility companies save Minnesotans over $500 million by 2020, it will protect our vital natural resources and reduce our state's contribution to the global warming crisis."
An identical version of the bill was passed in the Senate just a week ago on a vote of 63-3. Governor Pawlenty is expected to sign the bill into law in the coming weeks making Minnesota the first state to establish such an aggressive address the global warming crisis.
"The time has passed for us to sit back on and watch as fossil fuel emissions continue to destroy our state's precious natural resources," said Rep. Welti. "I am proud to be a part of this historic effort that will bring so many positive results to our state."
News Items
- Rep. Norton Selected as Vice Chair of House Health and Human Services Finance Committee - (Posted: 2012-12-14 00:00:00)
- Its Time for Legislature to Get Back to Basics, Balance the Budget Honestly - (Posted: 2012-12-11 00:00:00)
- Second Saturday Coffee Meeting Date Changed to December 9 - (Posted: 2012-12-03 00:00:00)
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