Clean, renewable energy development has been and is driven by policy decisions at the federal, state, and local levels. Capturing renewable energy from wind, water, and biofuels is a long-standing practice, but currently, its reach is limited while fossil fuels are widespread. According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce State Energy Report, Minnesotans spend $3.5 billion on electricity each year, but only 5 percent of the fuel comes from indigenous wind, biomass, and hydropower. In order to change our energy sources, we need to change energy policy.
Renewable fuel and electricity standards:
The Minnesota Project is an active partner in Clean Energy Minnesota, CEM, a coalition formed to achieve the following policy goals for Minnesota:
- Limit and lower global warming pollution
- Develop cleaner, more efficient cars
- Assist the development of sustainable energy crops and a bioenergy program
CEM member organizations include: The Minnesota Project, Audubon Minnesota, Clean Water Action Alliance of
Minnesota, Clean Up the River
Environment, Fresh Energy, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Izaak Walton League of
America--Midwest Office, Land
Stewardship Project, Minnesota Center
for Environmental Advocacy, Minnesota
Public Interest Research Group, Sierra Club North Star Chapter, Union of Concerned Scientists.
In bringing together diverse groups for common causes, CEM bridges the
gaps that often exist between groups with differing environmental goals.
In addition to their work at the state level, The Minnesota Project is also committed to affecting policy change at the federal level. Through alliance and coalition building, project demonstration, policy development and a well-recognized history, The Minnesota Project is developing key strategic positioning to expand our work to the federal level, particularly through farm and energy legislation. |
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