Energy & the Environment: the vision and details
January 1, 2010| Posted in Energy & Environment, Energy and EnvironmentThe Vision:
We must be responsible stewards of our incredible national resources and promote conservation and sustainability for the betterment of future generations.
The Details:
Living in a state with a long history of environmental stewardship, most Minnesotans believe strongly that preserving our environment is essential for our children’s success and the long-term success of the state. Just last year, Minnesotans came together and with over 58% of the vote passed the Legacy Amendment to our state constitution. Protecting our natural resources is a value widely shared. The question remains how best to achieve it and where to focus.
I believe sustainability must be the overriding goal for Minnesota’s environmental policy. However, we must think broadly and beyond the traditional “environmental” issues of air, water, waste, and noise. Sustainability should also be the goal for energy, agriculture, and transportation policy, as well as in the long-term project of creating vibrant, healthy communities across the state. As in nature itself, these seemingly disparate things are vitally interconnected.
The next governor needs a comprehensive vision of how to allocate our state’s dollars in a wise, lasting fashion. As governor, I will prioritize three things:
1) Meeting or beating the targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2015. Climate change is undoubtedly a serious issue, and Minnesota should do its part to protect our atmosphere and sustain the diversity of our ecosystems. We must reduce the carbon emissions emitted from our vehicles, as well as our factories, and do so in a way that does not overly hamper the growth of Minnesota industry.
2) Diligent stewardship of the Minnesota Legacy Amendment. With the extraordinary commitment to our natural resources demonstrated at the ballot box, the legislature now has the resources to take bold steps to guarantee our children will experience the wonders of our lakes, our rivers, our natural habitat, and our state parks. As governor I’ll work to ensure the Legacy Amendment is used responsibly and to the full benefit of all Minnesotans.
3) The next governor needs to understand energy issues in all their 21st-century complexity. Investment in locally owned renewable energy production and a focus on new technologies are powerful first steps to reinventing the way we think about energy and the environment.
We have a great opportunity in the next decade to drastically change our energy infrastructure and take large steps towards protecting our natural environment for future generations. The era of wind power, solar energy, biofuels, and other bio-based products is right in front of us. Real progress has never been more within our reach! I feel confident that bold and visionary leadership from the governor’s office will make all the difference.
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