Dear Neighbors,
Last Thursday, I met with several constituents at a Conservation Minnesota meeting in Arden Hills. We discussed a variety of water and nature conservation topics including legislation from this past session. Thank you to all who participated and for your input and suggestions.
For perspective, my background includes many outdoor activities including boy scouts, over 50 trips to the BWCA and being a runner. My education background includes a Chemical Engineering BS from the University of Minnesota. I am strong proponent of protecting our environment and the following is a brief recap of some topics from our discussion last week.
Xcel Energy has been making great strides in recent years with nearly 30% of our electricity now supplied by renewable sources, predominantly wind. Xcel projects to be at 55% renewables by 2026 and 60% shortly thereafter and has communicated that the cost of renewable energy is now less than the cost of natural gas. The perspective that I shared with attendees was that we can anticipate 5-10% of our new vehicle purchases being electric within the next 10 years which will further reduce carbon emissions. Technology is continuing to advance and the convenience of plugging in a vehicle at home is an advantage to filling up a vehicle at the gas station. Members in attendance stated that they would like to see financial incentives to speed up our shift to renewable energy sources.
In addition to renewable energy, a handful of other topics were discussed including nitrates in groundwater, Enbridge pipeline approval, and Polymet mining in northern Minnesota. My perspective on these and other similar pieces of legislation is that we should allow the approval processes established by the state to proceed for determining the appropriate actions. I believe in the approval process and in checks and balances.
Pollinators was also a topic of interest. The number of monarch butterflies has declined precipitously over the past two decades and there is equal concern for the declining bee population with neonicotinoid pesticides serving as a potential contributing factor. I voted in favor of a pollinator’s protection amendment this year, but the legislation did not gain passage. Local actions are helpful and future legislation is likely warranted.
That’s all for this week’s update. Thank you for allowing me to represent you at the capitol. For any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-0141 or rep.randy.jessup@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Randy