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~ 51 member group to develop plan for reducing state’s greenhouse gas emissions ~ In an important step forward for Minnesota’s environment, Governor Tim Pawlenty’s newly appointed Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group (MCCAG) held their first meeting today. The new group is part of the Governor’s Next Generation Energy Initiative announced in December and will develop a comprehensive plan for reducing the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. “Our global climate is warming, at least in part due to the energy sources we use,” Governor Pawlenty said. “We cannot solve it by ourselves, but we need to lead and do our part. We also need to push for an effective national and international effort." Earlier this year, the Governor invited the Center for Climate Strategies (CCS) to facilitate the advisory group. The CCS is nationally recognized for its efforts to develop emission reduction plans through carefully structured and broadly inclusive stakeholder processes. CCS has helped 10 states complete their greenhouse gas reduction strategies, and Minnesota joins eight other states now in the planning stages. CCS will work closely with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, the Minnesota Pollution Control agency and many other state organizations to advance the work of the advisory group. Development of the stakeholder process is a key component of the Governor Pawlenty’s Next Generation Energy Initiative. This comprehensive energy initiative calls for more renewable energy, more energy conservation and lower carbon emissions. One facet of the Next Generation Energy Initiative has been already adopted as a result of legislation signed by the Governor in February. Minnesota now has one of the most aggressive renewable energy laws in the country and requires 25 percent of the electricity used in Minnesota to come from renewable sources by 2025. In addition, Xcel Energy must achieve a 30 percent renewable rate by 2020. The Governor’s energy conservation initiative is also nearing passage in the state legislature. The 51-member MCCAG includes representatives from business, utility, environmental, academic, and religious organizations. Private citizens, farmers, local government, and tribal leaders are also represented. A final report by MCCAG will be presented to the Governor and legislature by February 1, 2008. For more information about the Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group, visit www.mnclimatechange.us. For more information on Center for Climate Strategies, visit www.climatestrategies.us. Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group Bishop Jon Anderson Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA
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