Action Needed on Clean Cars and Green Solutions Legislation
Please contact your legislator before Tuesday, February 26, 2008
LWVUS Position: Among other things, LWVUS supports reduction of energy growth rates; use of a variety of energy sources, with emphasis on conserving energy and using energy-efficient technologies; predominant reliance on renewable resources; action by appropriate levels of government to encourage the use of renewable resources and energy conservation through funding for research and development, financial incentives, rate-setting policies and mandatory standards….
Action:
Please contact your state senator and representative and urge them to vote YES on SF2818/HF3195, the “Green Solutions Act,” and to vote YES on SF481/HF863, the “Minnesota Clean Car Act.” (Contact information below)
Please forward this message to friends who share your concern about the environment and our dangerous addiction to fossil fuels.
Background:
Key Points in the “Green Solutions Act” (SF2818/HF3195):
It will authorize a carbon cap and trade system that is an essential, cost-effective tool to reduce global warming pollution in Minnesota.
Cap and trade is a market-based form of regulation that has been successfully used to reduce other forms of environmental pollution at lower cost.
The legislation seeks to establish the authority to carry out an accord signed by Gov. Pawlenty, five other Midwestern governors and the premier of Manitoba to establish such a system to lower global warming pollution in the Midwest region.
By acting now Minnesota will ensure that its carbon cap and trade system maximizes the state’s energy advantages and produces economic benefits for consumers.
Key Points in the Minnesota Clean Car Act (SF481/HF863):
§ Minnesota would join more than a dozen other states to adopt the California clean car standards. (12 states adopted; 8 states pursuing.)
§ This standard would require car manufacturers to lower carbon dioxide emissions and other pollutants from passenger vehicle tailpipes.
§ This legislation will be tougher than the 2007 federal energy law.
§ It will reduce global warming gases from vehicles by twice as much as the federal law by 2016.
§ States already adopting these standards represent 40 percent of America’s car-buying consumers.
§ Minnesota should adopt these clean car standards to show Detroit and Washington that the Midwest wants this change.
Thanks to Clean Energy Minnesota for this information. For further information, please contact LWVMN Intern Lobbyist Lynn Gitelis who will send you fact sheets on these two issues. (lynngi@comcast.net) .
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Contact information:
Call or e-mail your Representative and Senator:
Get your Representative’s name and contact information at 651-296-2146 or 800-657-3550 or go to this site: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/housemembers.asp .
Get your Senator’s name and contact information at 651-296-0504 or 888-234-1112 or go to this site: http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members/index.php#header
Most representatives’ e-mails follow the same pattern: rep.margaret.kelliher@house.mn
Most senators’ e-mails also follow this pattern: sen.larry.pogemiller@senate.mn
If you e-mail, put “Constituent support Clean Cars and Green Solutions” on the Subject line.
