Tim Pawlenty on Energy & Oil Republican MN Governor

I made a mistake in considering cap-and-trade in MN

A: We did consider in designing a law in Minnesota that would study cap and trade. We didn't impose it. We signed up to review it, study, join with other states to look at it and we did. What I concluded subsequently is it is really a bad idea. I sent a letter to Congress about two years ago. And other times have said, I was wrong, I was a mistake and I'm sorry. It is ham fisted, it is going to be harmful to the economy. If you've got an executive position and you have been in the battle, you are going to have battle scars in your record. And that's one of mine. I just admit. I made a mistake.

2005: Vetoed $250K for climate change research

Building, Benchmarks, & Beyond: reduce 200,000 tons of CO2

25% renewable by 2025: Requirement, not a goal

"A requirement, not a goal, that 25% of our energy will come from renewable sources by 2025. It includes legislation signed into law to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. It includes reducing our fossil fuel consumption by 15% by 2015, which is coming up fast."

At a 2007 NGA conference, Pawlenty warned the US must curtail its carbon emissions, or it would "risk the nations' security posture, its prosperity and quality of life." He added that fossil fuels would still be an important part of the nation's energy supply, but they would have to pursue cleaner and more efficient ways of utilizing them.

Increase supply; diversify sources; drill ANWR

A: Well, it’s relatively good news. We have a supply and demand problem, so the more supply we can get into the market, the better. But we also need to realize we can’t just continue to rely on that approach for our future.

Q: But what about the addiction to imported oil?

A: Well, we have to diversify and Americanize our energy supply. Pres. Bush made the case for going ahead and drilling in ANWR. Listen to the president.

The more oil supply, the better

A: Well, it’s relatively good news. We have a supply and demand problem, so the more supply we can get into the market, the better. But we also need to realize we can’t just continue to rely on that approach for our future.

Q: But what do you do about the addiction to imported oil?

A: Well, we have to diversify and Americanize our energy supply. But we need to do it in a way that’s environmentally sensitive and friendly

Extend tax incentives for energy efficiency and energy R&D

On behalf of the nation’s governors, we urge Congress to extend expiring tax provisions for renewable energy efficiency, research and development. Continued and consistent support for renewable energy and efficiency through tax incentives is critical to the development and deployment of alternative energy technologies and energy efficiency.

To stimulate innovation, we encourage Congress to exten the research and development tax credit that expired last year. Providing business with an incentive to invest in research is critical for driving innovation and generating high wage job opportunities that will propel the U.S. economy throughout the 21st century.

Securing our energy future and promoting innovation are priorities at both the state and federal level. We strongly urge you to partner with governors by passing legislation on a bipartisan basis to extend these tax provisions this year.

Cap-and-trade to achieve MN greenhouse gas reduction goals

• The legislature finds that a cap and trade program will achieve Minnesota's greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals in a cost-effective manner.
• The right to emit greenhouse gases should be auctioned to emitting facilities rather than allocated at no cost, with proceeds from the auction invested in projects that advance the transition to a low greenhouse gas-emitting economy.
• A greenhouse gas cap and trade program is best pursued in cooperation with other Midwestern states.
• A "climate trust fund" is established [to manage revenue from auctions]

OnTheIssues explanation: Cap-and-trade was first popularized in the 1990s under President George H.W. Bush as a means to efficiently reduce CO2 emissions.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 91-38 on April 23; passed Senate 43-21; signed by Gov. Pawlenty on May 19.

Encourage development of locally owned wind energy sources

• Achieved the nation’s largest tracks of certified sustainable forests, totaling over 4 million acres
• Increased the state’s commitment to renewable energy for the future through Prairie Island legislation.
• Advanced the Community Based Energy Development Tariff to encourage the development and use of locally owned wind and clean energy sources and established a goal of obtaining 800 megawatts of community based wind to be added to our electric system by 2010.

Stop harmful EPA regulation of greenhouse gas emissions.

We feel compelled to guard against a regulatory approach that would increase the cost of electricity and gasoline prices, manufactured products, and ultimately harm the competitiveness of the US economy. As governors, we strongly urge Congress to stop harmful EPA regulation of greenhouse gas emissions that could damage those vital interests. We ask that Congress continue its work to pass comprehensive legislation that balances the role of conservation and climate security with the production of abundant and affordable American energy. The EPA has initiated efforts to impose greenhouse gas regulations that could be harmful to our economies at an especially critical time. As Governors, we are gravely concerned about such regulation.

EPA is not equipped to consider the very real potential for economic harm when regulating emissions. Without that consideration, regulation will place heavy administrative burdens on state environmental quality agencies, will be costly to consumers, and could be devastating to the economy and jobs.

We believe that EPA should offer input regarding complex energy and environmental policy initiatives, like reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but feel that these policies are best developed by elected representatives at the state and national level, not by a single federal agency. There is no question that broad bipartisan support exists to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while taking into consideration the difficult fiscal situation that our states and the nation face.

Set goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025.

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."