MIDWEST SIGNS ON TO NEW ENERGY

This is not just another regional pact. This is a vivid demonstration of where America’s heartland stands on New Energy and climate change issues. This is no longer a blue state matter anymore. Is Washington listening?

Midwestern US states sign climate accord
November 15, 2007 (AFP)

Midwestern Governors Association (MGA)

WHAT
The Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform for the Midwest 2007:
“…To satisfy the energy needs of a rapidly growing world population, while significantly reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions…”

click to enlarge

WHEN
The governors signed the accord November 15. It calls for:
(1) 2% yearly increases in energy efficiency from 2015;
(2) obtaining 50% of transportation energy from Midwestern biofuels by 2025;
(3) cutting fossil fuel imports 50% by 2025;
(4) obtaining 30% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030;
(5) requiring all coal plants to capture and sequester emissions by 2050.

WHERE
The governors of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Kansas, Ohio, South Dakota, and the premier of the Canadian province of Manitoba signed.

WHY
- While manufacturing is down in the region, the agriculture sector has expanded economically as a result of corn ethanol development. The governors see the economic opportunity in pursuing New Energy development.
- The implications is that in the center of coal-burning, auto-manufacturing country, political leaders see the populist and progressive demand for New Energy.

The heartland signatories to the platform. Also, Canada's Manitoba. (click to enlarge)

QUOTES
Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle, chair, MGA: "Leaders from across the Midwest are charting a new energy direction for our citizens, our nation, and our world, creating high-paying jobs for our citizens and building a cleaner and safer world for generations to come…Our strong manufacturing base and rich agricultural industries, along with the wealth of resources in our vast natural forest and our world-leading research universities, position the Midwest to become the Saudi Arabia of renewable energy."