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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Jeff Howe (R)

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The meetings circuit is packed

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Dear Neighbor,

 

The calendar has been packed with meetings for me this week, ranging from transportation to alternative energy, local annexation and more.

 

Two of the meetings surrounded alternative fuels, including one Thursday when we talked about the use of natural gas as a source for semi-trucks. This was an all-day event called the Natural Gas Summit, put on by the Minnesota Trucker Association.

 

We received a comprehensive review of the current and future state of natural gas as a fuel for trucks. The use of natural gas as a motor vehicle fuel is coming of age, proving to be a way we can reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Technology is allowing natural gas to become a feasible fuel in lieu of diesel, at about half the cost. We also discussed what is necessary to grow the infrastructure of natural gas to integrate it as a transportation fuel.

 

I also attended the Minnesota Utility Investors’ annual meeting Monday. There were two seminars I participated in that day. One provided an update on fracking in the U.S. The second seminar addressed emerging issues in the natural gas and electric industries: cyber security, alternative fuel vehicles, EPA regulations, among other topics.

 

There was a lot of good information provided on these subjects and it was interesting to hear what is going on in neighboring states like North Dakota and Wisconsin to help relieve energy pressure and, again, reduce our dependence on foreign energy.

 

On Tuesday, we discussed local issues during a meeting of the Government Operations Committee I attended in St. Cloud. Annexation was a big part of the conversation. We have seen some great cooperative efforts in our area, while other local entities have struggled to work out agreements. We talked about potential legislation that could help the annexation process run more smoothly and hope to bring that forward in the upcoming 2014 session. It would be difficult to solve all of the annexation issues in one year, but we can take a step in the right direction by passing bill that improves areas where there is common ground.

 

That night, I met with the Stearns County Municipal League in Waite Park. We received an update on various building and roadway projects in the area and met with county commissioner candidates.

 

My schedule for Wednesday included a tour of the Bernick’s plant to see the company’s growth. It was impressive to get a look at what they have done in recent years. They really are expanding their product line and are promoting health-conscious lifestyles in our communities. Bernick’s sponsors a fitness series, including the Wishbone Walk/Run, scheduled for Nov. 28. Click here for more information.

 

After the Bernick’s visit, I participated in the Minnesota Public Transit Conference Legislative Panel, conducted by the Minnesota Transportation Alliance. We discussed key transit issues, including rural transit needs, service coordination and efficiency, and the need for additional funding to keep pace with rising costs. As I have mentioned in previous emails, this is a crucial issue for the Interstate 94 corridor and for access along certain parts of Highway 23.

 

Later on Wednesday, I attended the wake for Army veteran Jim Donovan.

 

Jim’s son, Maj. John Donovan, is a close friend of mine from the Army. The Howe family sends condolences to the Donovans.

 

Good luck,

Jeff