Sen. Franken pushes renewable energy research at Fergus Falls
By Carol Stender
cstender@agrinews.com
Date Modified: 06/17/2010 9:15 AM
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FERGUS FALLS, Minn. — Sen. Al Franken called for more renewable energy research and support when he addressed the Minnesota Renewable Energy Roundtable in Fergus Falls Friday.
Franken pointed to the Gulf Coast oil spill as an example of why renewables are so important.
"If there was ever a time where it's obvious to not drill our way to energy independence, it is now," Franken told the group.
A 46-day ethanol spill wouldn't threaten livelihoods or wildlife, he said.
"This disaster underscores the urgency of why we need a new comprehensive energy policy from rural America," he said.
Franken called for investments in renewable bioenergy, wind and solar power. That growing sector is where new job growth will take place. If those investments aren't made, the jobs will go to China, Japan and other overseas markets.
"We can't concede our global energy edge," he said.
Franken has sponsored a five-year extension of the ethanol credit. He also supports an extension of the ethanol blenders credit and would like to get more blender pumps in the state.
"We need robust programs for research and development for cellulosic development legislation to enact a federal renewable energy credit." he said. "Without a price on carbon, we won't see an investment on renewable energy that Minnesota farmers can benefit from."
The roundtable has played an important role in the discussions. Researchers, teachers, farmers and business people are roundtable members. The aim is to get the discussions going, said Bemidji State University president emeritus James Bensen.
MRER was organized following a conversation between Agricultural Utilization Research Institute executive director Teresa Spaeth and Benson.
Oftentimes, when bringing diverse groups together, the individuals are at first surprised to see the connections the others have to the topic, Bensen said. It prompts discussions and action plans.
AURI board chairman Al Christopherson said 130 organizations have taken part in the discussions.
"There is a need for this," Christopherson said. "This whole process is part of building off of everyone's ideas."
Agriculture has a big part to play in renewable energy.
"We have a huge stake in bio-energy," Christopherson said of agriculture. "We are big users of energy. Whatever happens in energy will have an impact on us."