2014 MN Senate debate: on Energy & Oil

Al Franken: Delay Keystone pipeline; but if built, use American steel

Franken acknowledged that he voted "to not circumvent the regulatory process," but said he also voted for a proposal that would ensure that the Keystone pipeline, if it's built, would be done with American steel, seizing on a comment by McFadden over the summer that he would opt for Chinese steel if that saved taxpayer money.

Said Franken: "Those are Minnesota jobs. I fight for Minnesota jobs. Maybe that's the difference between me and Mr. McFadden. Maybe he sees profits over people."

Heather Johnson: Federal legislation has limited alternative energy

A: Safety and cleanup of any spills should be their responsibility, that should apply to oil or fracking or any business. There should be no risk taken by the people; [and public] land rights should not be up for grabs for a private company's benefit.

Q: Do you support an increase in alternative forms of energy, including green energy such as solar and wind?

A: Yes. I don't know how much the public is aware how much the government has limited alternative energy through legislation, and given tax breaks for oil or car production for gas guzzlers. In the early 2000s SUVs were given tax breaks and fuel efficient cars were penalized. That's discrimination and a misuse of power. We should utilize any and all forms of energy and let business conduct business, as long as they are responsible for impact and any potential problems.

Jim Abeler: No subsidies for wind and solar

Abeler: Strongly Disagree

Mike McFadden: Approve Keystone; faster permits for gas plants

A: One is approve the Keystone pipeline, which has thoroughly passed multiple environmental reviews. Two is natural gas. There are 24 [LNG liquefied and natural gas plants] around the country that have applied for permits. I would fast-track the permitting process. If we had these LNG plants up and running, we actually could export to Europe.

Q: Natural gas may contribute to climate change.

A: There's a false choice out there. You're either for the environment, or you're for the economic growth or business growth. You can do both. You grow; you develop in a responsible way. I'm a big proponent of all forms of energy. Let the market determine what's the most efficient way to provide energy sources. Look at the improvements we made in the coal industry in terms of what we've been able to do there. Whether its coal, nuclear, natural gas, propane--let's promote it in a responsible way.