Peak oil resolution passed

The House approved a resolution April 30 recognizing the “unprecedented challenge” posed by peak oil and asking Gov. Tim Pawlenty to prepare a response plan.

The term “peak oil” refers to the point in time at which global oil production reaches its maximum capacity and then begins an irreversible period of decline. Many experts say peak oil either has already happened or will occur sometime in the next few years.

HF995, sponsored by Rep. Bill Hilty (DFL-Finlayson), would memorialize the governor to direct state agencies to examine the potential impacts of peak oil on the state and prepare for the consequences of oil scarcity and high prices. It also expresses support for a global agreement that would “provide transparency in oil markets, control price swings, address issues of equity in access to remaining oil resources, and provide a framework of predictability.”

“This is a situation that we really have to deal with. Currently for every barrel of oil we discover, we are using six barrels,” Hilty said.

House Minority Leader Marty Seifert (R-Marshall) said that while he didn’t necessarily have a problem with the resolution’s intent, he considered it “a waste of time.”

“I don’t know why we don’t just type up a memo and take it to the governor instead of wasting floor time,” he said.

The House passed it 81-7, with numerous members abstaining from the vote. It now goes to the Senate, where Sen. Jim Carlson (DFL-Eagan) is the sponsor.