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Editorial -- Renewable Energy Standard makes sense for future Tuesday, March 7, 2006
The Minnesota Project and the state's Farmers Union want the 2006 Legislature to establish a Renewable Electricity Standard in the session that started March 1.
Nineteen states and the District of Columbia already have renewable standards in place.
The idea makes sense for Minnesota, given the success of the state's ethanol mandate that's helped create a flourishing renewable industry in the state. The Minnesota Project says a Renewable Electricity Standard will strengthen local economies, increase energy security and help the environment.
Resources needed -- wind and biomass -- are certainly plentiful in rural Minnesota.
The Minnesota Project argues that diversifying sources of energy will help to stabilize currently rising energy costs and protect the environment from price fluctuations and spot shortages.
Standard supporters say the proposed standard could save $525 million in direct natural gas costs and $525 million in direct electricity expenses over the next five years. A standard, supporters say, could create 2,500 new jobs and add $70 million in net employee compensation in Minnesota over the next five years.
Lawmakers in St. Paul -- and across the country for that matter -- are well aware that soaring energy costs are putting a significant financial strain on everyone. Family budgets can be tightened, to be sure, but only so much. The states that will be winners in what we are being told will become an ever-competitive world economy will need to be both visionaries and leaders.
A Renewable Electricity Standard would show other states just how serious Minnesota is in taking a new direction away from costly energy importation. Although coal-based and nuclear energy facilities have increased their efficiency and taken significant steps to better protect the environment, they aren't environmentally friendly.
Renewable sources -- biomass and wind -- certainly are.
Many people aren't convinced lawmakers "get it" when it comes to what common people consider to be the real issues confronting the nation and state. Along with soaring health-care costs and availability issues, energy cost has become a central concern.
Lawmakers in St. Paul should study and debate the proposal that's on the table. Mandates are tough to swallow for some, but new approaches are needed. With demand for electricity and other energy sources increasing, we need to find other sources.
Those sources are just waiting to be tapped. It will take a commitment from individuals and state and federal governments to see that renewable energy sources reach its true potential. |
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