For too long, limited solutions have existed for solving transportation problems. Implementation of light rail transit, commuter rail, and dedicated high-speed bus routes will be elements of diversifying the options
that exist to address transportation problems. Light Rail Transit is the first step in developing a true multimodal transportation system.
Source: The Big Plan: Healthy, Vital Communities
Dec 10, 2000
Competitive electricity pricing; include alternative energy
The Ventura Administration recognizes the shift from the present regulatory structure to a competitive structure for providing energy services to Minnesota consumers. The competitive structure will, at a minimum:
Provide for access to service, reliability of service and competitive pricing;
Encourage development and utilization of renewable energy sources;
Provide energy consumers with market choices in all types of electric generation
(i.e. natural gas, wind, hydro, nuclear, etc.);
Recognize the need for environmentally, economically, and socially responsible generation and transmission development in the region; and
Encourage development of responsible generation and transmission infrastructure within Minnesota by allowing attractive returns on investment for developers and providers of all energy services.
Source: The Big Plan: Healthy, Vital Communities
Dec 10, 2000
Overcome dependency on foreign oil
We subsidize the use of foreign oil by keeping a military presence in the Persian Gulf. I think we’d better find ways to overcome our dependency on foreign oil, and fossil fuels in general. We probably could have grown beyond our dependence on fossil
fuels a longtime ago, if it weren’t for the automobile industries. They’ve stopped at nothing to push us into cars, and limit our transportation options. It’s yet another case of the power brokers of government getting in the way of what’s best for us.
Source: Do I Stand Alone, by Jesse Ventura, p.153
Jul 2, 2000
Ventura adopted the National Governors Association policy:
Considering the evidence and the risks of both overreaction and underreaction, the Governors recommend that the federal government continue its climate research, including regional climate research, to improve scientific understanding of global climate change. The Governors also recommend taking steps that are cost-effective and offer other social and economic benefits beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In particular, the Governors support voluntary partnerships to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while achieving other economic and environmental goals.
The Governors are committed to working in partnership with the federal government, businesses, environmental groups, and others to develop and implement voluntary programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in conjunction with conserving energy, protecting the environment, and strengthening the economy.
The Governors urge that those
who have successfully achieved reductions of greenhouse emissions receive appropriate credit for their early actions. The Governors strongly encourage these kinds of voluntary efforts.
The Governors believe that federally required implementation of any treaty provisions, including those that mandate limits or reductions of greenhouse gas emissions, must not occur before the U.S. Senate ratifies an international agreement and Congress passes enabling legislation.
The Governors support continued federal funding for research and development technology in this area. They also believe it is essential to engage the private sector by fostering technology partnerships between industry and government. Public-private partnerships serve to achieve desired environmental goals, speed the introduction of new technologies to the marketplace, and meet consumer needs and product affordability goals, while avoiding market distortions and job losses.
Source: NGA policy NR-11, Global Climate Change Domestic Policy 00-NGA3 on Aug 15, 2000
Kyoto Treaty must include reductions by all countries.
Ventura adopted the National Governors Association policy:
The Governors recommend that the federal government continue to seek the advice of state and local officials and nongovernmental organizations with expertise in economic, trade, jobs, public health, and environmental issues and assess the potential economic and environmental consequences of proposed policies and measures, including a thorough and broadly accepted analysis of costs and benefits. The Governors recommend that the US:
not sign or ratify any agreement that mandates new commitments to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the US, unless such an agreement mandates new specific scheduled commitments to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions for developing countries within the same compliance period;
aggressively undertake strategies for including emissions-reduction commitments from developing countries;
not sign or ratify any agreement that would result in serious harm to the US economy;
support flexible policies and measures in
continuing negotiations that provide an opportunity for the US to meet global environmental goals without jeopardizing US jobs, trade, or economic competitiveness;
insist on flexible implementation timetables in continuing negotiations that permit affected parties adequate time to plan strategies for meeting commitments; and
ensure that no single sector, state, or nation is disproportionately disadvantaged by the implementation of international policies.
If appropriate international commitments are established and are ratified by the US, the Governors believe implementation should be allowed to be achieved through cost-effective market-based activities, which account for scientifically verifiable and accountable reductions in greenhouse gas levels regardless of where the reductions are achieved. Any multinational emissions trading program must provide a flexible and workable framework that takes full advantage of market forces and maximizes international participation.
Source: NGA policy NR-11, Climate Change International Policy 00-NGA4 on Aug 15, 2000
