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Kathleen Sebelius on Energy & OilDemocratic KS Governor |
Congress has recently set an aggressive goal for alternative fuel production by 2022. Kansas can and should be a leader in reaching America's goal. I have charged the Kansas Bioscience Authority with developing an aggressive plan for bio-energy technology and production, aimed at producing 20% of the nation's alternative fuel needs.
We must embrace the Kansas Energy Council's proposal to require that all new state buildings meet minimum energy efficiency standards. We challenge private developers and business owners to join us in that commitment.
Construction of the state's 4th wind farm is now complete and many more are in the planning stages. Sunflower Wind has announced that they will begi manufacturing wind turbines in Hutchinson, creating as many as 250 permanent jobs. These commitments along with announcements of new transmission lines and the recent decision of the Kansas Corporation Commission that wind production is a prudent investment are having a positive impact.
To continue the momentum, I have created the Kansas Wind Working Group to aggressively pursue our opportunities and incentives for wind power as well as to encourage Kansas communities to invest in wind projects
A resolution that it is the goal of the United States that, not later than January 1, 2025, the agricultural, forestry, and working land of the US should provide from renewable resources not less than 25% of the total energy consumed and continue to produce safe, abundant, and affordable food, feed, and fiber. [Governors also signed letters of endorsement at www.25x25.org]
Rep. SALAZAR: "Our resolution establishes a national goal of producing 25% of America's energy from renewable sources--like solar, wind and biofuels--by 2025. The "25x'25" vision is widely endorsed, bold, and fully attainable. If implemented, it would dramatically improve our energy security, our economy, and our ability to protect the environment.
"I am pleased that more than 20 of my colleagues in the Senate, from both sides of the aisle, are cosponsoring this resolution. In addition, the "25x'25" vision has been endorsed by 22 current and former governors and several State legislatures across the country. The Big Three automobile manufacturers--Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors--are all behind "25x'25" So are many agricultural organizations, environmental groups, scientists, and businesses, ranging from the Natural Resources Defense Council to John Deere.
"These Americans understand that we cannot continue to import 60% of our oil from foreign countries, many of which are hostile to the US, if we aim to be strong and secure in the world. They know that we will have to build a clean energy economy if we are to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. It is time for Congress to take a more active role in our clean energy future. Establishing a national goal--"25x'25" is the first step."