We know what to do…will our policymakers take action?
by Fresh Energyby J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director, Fresh Energy
What do you get when a conservative Republican governor creates an industry-heavy, 56-person task force to develop a plan to aggressively reduce Minnesota’s global warming emissions?
Surprisingly, in the case of Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty’s Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group (MCCAG) you get a set of policies that—if fully implemented—could reduce global warming emissions by about 50 million metric tons per year in 2025, at a net cost savings to the state. Today, Minnesota is responsible for more than 155 million metric tons of these pollutants every year (an amount that’s increasing annually). See the MCCAG website for more details on who the governor appointed to do this work and the draft report on results.
Here’s the caveat: to achieve the emissions reductions and savings identified by MCCAG, the governor, state legislature, and others, policymakers need to turn those recommended actions into strong laws and aggressive policies. Implementation must be rapid and comprehensive. This comes as no surprise to Minnesotans who have been pushing elected leaders for years to pass policies that actually reduce emissions, and not simply set goals and declare intentions to meet them. Actions must now follow words, and dozens of actions are needed sooner rather than later.
Isn’t protecting our climate, enhancing our economies, and moving toward energy independence worth concerted, aggressive action at all levels?
Members of the public will soon be able to comment on the Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group report. Make your voice heard.
