1.1A resolution1.2memorializing the United States Congress to adopt clean energy legislation that 1.3strengthens the nation's energy and economic security, advances clean energy 1.4development, creates jobs, addresses climate change, and preserves the authority of 1.5states to reduce emissions and promote renewable energy.1.6WHEREAS, the United States spends approximately $1,000,000,000 (one billion dollars) a 1.7day to import oil, a cost, according to the United States Department of Energy, that will reach 1.8$8,500,000,000,000 (eight and one-half trillion dollars) by 2030; and 1.9WHEREAS, the United States' dependence on fossil fuels weakens the nation's economy, 1.10threatens national security, and harms the environment; and1.11WHEREAS, the effects of unchecked climate change threaten the nation's health and 1.12security, as well as our forests, waters, agricultural system, and other natural resources; and1.13WHEREAS, addressing climate change responsibly will lead to increased economic 1.14opportunity, a healthier population, and improved national security; and1.15WHEREAS, states have demonstrated leadership by adopting clean energy technologies and 1.16addressing climate change, as shown by the 15 states that have adopted economy-wide greenhouse 1.17gas reduction goals, the 13 states that have regulated emissions from automobile tailpipes, and the 1.18ten states that have set limits on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants; and1.19WHEREAS, Minnesota, along with many other states, has adopted renewable energy 1.20standards promoting wind, solar, hydropower, and biomass energy sources; and1.21WHEREAS, Minnesota's governor, together with the governors of Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, 1.22and Wisconsin, has signed the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Accord; and2.1WHEREAS, while states have shown leadership in addressing climate change and 2.2promoting clean energy jobs, a national statutory framework for clean energy would provide a 2.3more certain energy market and spur innovation in the clean energy sector; and2.4WHEREAS, the United States House passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act 2.5on June 26, 2009, on a bipartisan vote, and members of the United States Senate from both 2.6political parties are currently considering and drafting a Senate clean energy jobs and climate 2.7bill; and2.8WHEREAS, these bills will curb climate change, promote clean energy development 2.9and use, reduce pollution, limit dependence on foreign energy sources, and create economic 2.10opportunities; and2.11WHEREAS, the United States Energy Information Administration projects growth of up to 2.122,000,000 new clean energy jobs resulting from comprehensive clean energy legislation; and2.13WHEREAS, end-use energy efficiency can be the most cost-effective means to meet energy 2.14demands and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and2.15WHEREAS, energy-efficiency efforts can dramatically reduce electricity bills for 2.16homeowners and businesses and create thousands of jobs; NOW, THEREFORE,2.17BE IT RESOLVED by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota that the United States 2.18Congress pass comprehensive clean energy jobs and climate legislation that:2.19· creates a unified framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions;2.20· protects low and moderate income Americans from increased energy costs;2.21· invests substantially in energy efficiency;2.22· supports alternative sources of energy including but not limited to wind, solar, wave, 2.23hydroelectricity, and biofuels; and2.24· does not preempt state legislative efforts to control carbon emissions and to encourage 2.25renewable energy development.2.26BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota is 2.27directed to prepare copies of this memorial and transmit them to the President of the United States, 2.28the President and the Secretary of the United States Senate, the Speaker and the Clerk of the United 2.29States House of Representatives, and Minnesota's Senators and Representatives in Congress.