For immediate release: May 11, 2011

ST. PAUL – Michael Noble, executive director of Fresh Energy, issued the following statement on the Minnesota House’s vote to diminish the state’s commitment to clean energy:

“Today, the Minnesota House has joined the Senate in failing the people of Minnesota. By approving SF86 by a 76 to 54 vote, Minnesota’s elected leaders have undermined a 2007 law put in place to encourage clean energy investment. It’s now up to Governor Dayton to veto this bill and continue our transition away from expensive, dirty fuels of the past and toward cleaner energy for Minnesota families and businesses.

In 2007, the Next Generation Energy Act of Minnesota passed the Minnesota legislature with broad, bipartisan support, setting science-based carbon pollution reduction goals for the state. Since then, its clean energy provisions have increased renewable energy and energy efficiency, creating good-paying jobs for Minnesotans. Of 201 legislators, 184 supported the Next Generation Energy Act. Now, it’s an integral piece of Minnesota’s environmental policy foundation, an important driver of clean energy investment, and one of the strongest tools Minnesota has to boost our recovering economy.

But now our opportunities for clean energy, as well as our forward economic progress, are undermined by these votes that say, ‘let’s go backward.’ Relying on more coal—a resource Minnesota imports from other states—will take us further from our pollution reduction goals, negatively affect public health, and export millions of dollars, dollars that could give Minnesota’s economy a much-needed boost. Going backward on energy is not what Minnesota voters want. Minnesotans desire a healthy, clean energy future for their children and grandchildren, and jobs for families today.

With the passage of these destructive bills, the Minnesota legislature has made the decision to take our state backward. Minnesota has 21st-century energy needs, and we should invest in 21st-century energy to meet them. Encouraging construction of new coal plants is inconsistent with a modern and efficient energy future.

Now more than ever, Governor Dayton needs to stand up for Minnesota’s health and economic future. We urge him to defend Minnesota’s next generation of energy and veto any bill that weakens our move toward more jobs, cleaner air, and a healthier economy.”

Journalists can reach Michael Noble for comment by cell at 612-963-1268 or by e-mail at noble@fresh-energy.org.

"Today, the Minnesota House has joined the Senate in failing the people of Minnesota. By approving SF86 by a 76 to 54 vote, Minnesota's elected leaders have undermined a 2007 law put in place to encourage clean energy investment. It's now up to Governor Dayton to veto this bill and continue our transition away from expensive, dirty fuels of the past and toward cleaner energy for Minnesota families and businesses."