~ 51 member group to develop plan for reducing state’s greenhouse gas emissions ~

In an important step forward for Minnesota’s environment, Governor Tim Pawlenty’s newly appointed Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group (MCCAG) held their first meeting today. The new group is part of the Governor’s Next Generation Energy Initiative announced in December and will develop a comprehensive plan for reducing the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.

“Our global climate is warming, at least in part due to the energy sources we use,” Governor Pawlenty said. “We cannot solve it by ourselves, but we need to lead and do our part. We also need to push for an effective national and international effort."

Earlier this year, the Governor invited the Center for Climate Strategies (CCS) to facilitate the advisory group. The CCS is nationally recognized for its efforts to develop emission reduction plans through carefully structured and broadly inclusive stakeholder processes.

CCS has helped 10 states complete their greenhouse gas reduction strategies, and Minnesota joins eight other states now in the planning stages. CCS will work closely with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, the Minnesota Pollution Control agency and many other state organizations to advance the work of the advisory group.

Development of the stakeholder process is a key component of the Governor Pawlenty’s Next Generation Energy Initiative. This comprehensive energy initiative calls for more renewable energy, more energy conservation and lower carbon emissions.

One facet of the Next Generation Energy Initiative has been already adopted as a result of legislation signed by the Governor in February. Minnesota now has one of the most aggressive renewable energy laws in the country and requires 25 percent of the electricity used in Minnesota to come from renewable sources by 2025.

In addition, Xcel Energy must achieve a 30 percent renewable rate by 2020. The Governor’s energy conservation initiative is also nearing passage in the state legislature.

The 51-member MCCAG includes representatives from business, utility, environmental, academic, and religious organizations. Private citizens, farmers, local government, and tribal leaders are also represented.

A final report by MCCAG will be presented to the Governor and legislature by February 1, 2008. For more information about the Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group, visit www.mnclimatechange.us. For more information on Center for Climate Strategies, visit www.climatestrategies.us.

Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group

Bishop Jon Anderson Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA
Dr. Leith Anderson Wooddale Church
Willis E. Anthony Saint Peter, Minnesota
Peter Aube Potlach Lumber Corporation
Alexander Bascom Global Green Energy, LLC
David Berg American Crystal Sugar
John Brandl University of Minnesota, Humphrey Institute
Tracy Bridge CenterPoint Energy
Jan Callison Mayor, City of Minnetonka
Rick Carter LHB, Inc.
Mitch Davis Davisco Foods
Chuck Dayton Saint Paul, Minnesota
Laura Ekholm L & M Radiator
Stan Ellison Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
Barbara E. Freese Union of Concerned Scientists
Ann Glumac Duluth, Minnesota
Bill Grant Izaak Walton League of America
J. Drake Hamilton Fresh Energy
Scott Harrison Lutsen Resort Company
Andy Hart Elgin, Minnesota
Bill Heaney International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Jonathan Holmes Mittal-Minorca
Bill Hunt USDA Natural Resources Conservation
Robert Jagusch Mora Municipal Utilities
Greg Jason Cargill, Inc.
Boise Jones Environmental Justice Advocates of Minnesota
John P. Kelly Ryan Companies US, Inc.
Julie Ketchum Waste Management, Inc.
Jeffrey O. Korsmo Mayo Clinic Rochester
Greg Langford Langford, Inc.
William Lee Chippewa Valley Ethanol
Joe Maher UPM, Blandin Paper Mill
Jim Marchessault Business Card Services, Inc.
Tim McGraw Northwest Airlines
Dave McMillan Allete-Minnesota Power
Carrie Mellesmoen Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance
Jeffry Muffat 3M
Eric Olsen Great River Energy
Pat Perry Target Corporation
Steve Raukar Commissioner, St. Louis County
Mike Robertson Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
David M. Sparby Xcel Energy
Will Steger Ely, Minnesota
Peter J. Sullivan GE Fleet Services
Barb Thoman Transit for Livable Communities
David Tilman University of Minnesota, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
Nirmal A. Traeger St. Paul Travelers
Christopher Twomey Arctic Cat
Jeff Wilkes Flint Hills
Mark Wolak Mahtomedi, Superintendent
Bruno Zagar Fond du Lac Band, Lake Superior Chippewa