This year, as a first-term State Representative, I chief-authored the landmark Energy Efficiency and Conservation bill, which became a cornerstone of the Next Generation Energy Act. My energy efficiency bill passed into law this year will save more energy than the nation-leading Renewable Energy Standard bill will create. Together, the two bills will reduce Minnesota's greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2025!
And the cost-savings are immense. Energy efficiency currently costs approximately 1/5th the cost of generation new power - even from wind or solar power where the fuel is free. As a freshman legislator, it was an unexpected honor to take the lead in Minnesota’s energy revolution.
Tomorrow, the US Senate is expected to vote on an amendment critical to Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy in every state in the U.S.
Now, I am asking for your help - it’s quick and easy.
On the House floor, I closed my presentation of the Next Generation Energy Bill with this statement:
Some say that we are moving too fast, too soon. That the energy challenge is really more of a federal issue, and we should let them take care of it. Well, this March, the non-partisan Government Acccountability Office found that the Federal Department of Energy has missed every single one of the 34 deadlines for energy efficiency standards, established by Congress. Zero for 34. Too much, too soon? Not at all. I just hope we’re not doing too little, too late.
This week, the United States Senate is now considering HR 6 - the Clean Energy Act of 2007. While not nearly as aggressive as Minnesota’s Next Generation Bill, HR 6 will move the federal government in the direction of Minnesota’s model for renewable energy and energy conservation.
Tomorrow or Friday, New York Senator Chuck Schumer will offer two very important amendments clearing the way for energy efficiency appliance standards. I ask that today you take a moment to call or email your Senator, asking them to support Sen. Schumer’s SA 1605 and SA 1606 amendments.
Contact your United States Senators today!
I have already introduced a first draft of Minnesota’s Energy Efficiency Appliance Standards Act, to build on our work this year. The bill will eliminate the energy waste from every furnace, water heater, television, stove, toaster and more within the next decade. Over the next 15 years, Minnesota’s estimated savings from these strong standards would approach $1 Billion. That’s right - nearly a billion dollars savings, to do the right thing for the environment.
But, the Department of Energy has put up roadblocks in the form of red tape and unnecessary bureaucracy. Currently, any action by any state could be delayed by "the feds" by at least 4 years.
Senator Schumer’s amendments will clear the way for quicker implementation of energy efficiency appliance standards in every state, including Minnesota. If you can, please take one or two minutes to call your Senator to ask for their support of Senate Amendments 1605 and 1606.
As usual, your thoughts, questions and ideas are welcome and encouraged! Many thanks for your help.
My best,
Jeremy
P.S. You can read the text of both amendments here, for your review.
A procedural note: H.R. 6 originated in the U.S. House, and Senator Harry Reid proposed amending HR 6 with SA 1502, which is essentially the Senate position on the 2007 Clean Energy Act. Sen. Schumer’s amendments are amendments to the text of the SA 1502 amendment.