Minnesota Got Its Green Mojo Back
by John Laumer, Philadelphia 
on 01.24.08
It's been an uphill slog, but it looks like Minnesota is going to catch up with Wisconsin and Illinois.
"Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty recently announced initiatives to encourage solar, wind and other renewable energy projects at the local level and to reduce global warming emissions...He proposed four changes, including one to authorize local governments to issue $10 million to $20 million in revenue bonds to provide low-interest loans to individuals for "microenergy" projects. Those might include installing solar panels to produce hot water, geothermal equipment to heat and cool homes or businesses, or small wind machines to power homes, farms and schools."
Here's the money quote:- "Randy Hagen, co-owner of SolarSkies, a firm in Starbuck, Minn., that manufactures and installs solar products, said it costs about $8,000 for a solar hot-water system in a typical home. Much of his company's business has been in Wisconsin and Illinois, he said, because those states have programs that make financing easier for homeowners."
Via::Star Tribune, "Pawlenty announces clean energy plan - The new initiatives aim to fight global warming, create jobs and encourage alternative energy projects." Image credit::Bikethrow.com, Minnesota Cycling News & Gossip VIA->SkinnySki
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Heh. That's great and all, but yesterday we heard news that Pawlenty also wanted to slash the budget for our light rail by 1/3.
Thanks for the link to bikethrow.com, but the image is actually from skinnyski.com. If you could change the credit, we would very much appreciate it.
Heh. Kudos - you got there first Jess!
I was going to point out the hypocrisy of slashing funding for transit infrastructure (and vetoing a small gas tax that got passed by a Republican house and a Democratic senate - twice!).
Check out this organic maternity wear company in Pine River, MN which works out of a solar cooperative:
http://www.roundbelly.com
Minnesota was the birth place of the Civilian Conservation Corps, and it's also the home of the American Indian Movement...
Oh... and the Bakken Museum of Electricity in Life, which is right now hosting an exhibit called Electrifying Minnesota, about just that topic, bringing power back to the people.
The hippies were right...