Letter to the Editor

Terry W. Dorsey, Austin Ikes member

Pending legislation in Minnesota would gut the Next Generation Energy Act of 2007 by promoting the expansion of new coal-fired generation plants. I am opposed to this. The 2007 act provided for moving toward clean energy with the prospect of additional jobs in wind, solar and natural gas energy production.

Mower County has begun to benefit from some of those jobs with the wind farms now in place and more under construction. Regression to coal-fired plants would be harmful to health, discourage job creation, foul the skies with more CO2 and increase Minnesota’s dependence on imported coal.

Austin Utilities is moving toward decreasing our need for energy with aggressive rebates on energy saving lights and energy efficient appliances. There is much less need to build additional coal-fired plants at the expense of health, environment and jobs.

Contact Sen. Dan Sparks and Rep. Jeanne Poppe and support their stand of opposing amendments to gut the Next Generation Energy Act. Keeping this legislation intact will provide clean energy jobs, a clean environment and clean lungs.