Minneapolis Star Tribune: Clean energy businesses/advocates make the case for more green

This Minneapolis Star Tribune blog looks at the state advanced energy in Minnesota and the steps Minnesota should take to maximize the economic benefit of advanced energy. AEE and CEEM are mentioned as leading voices in the Minnesota advanced energy debate. Link to the full article here. Excerpts below:

Clean energy advocates produced a study this summer that showed Minnesota energy-efficiency and renewable industries are growing jobs faster than the overall economy. They also have advice for the state’s gubernatorial candidates.

Advanced Energy Economy and Clean Energy Economy Minnesota want the next governor to adapt several policies that will “take advantage of the economic development potential provided by advanced energy technologies and services.”

The August report said efficiency, renewables and advanced electric-grid technology employ 59,000 people, grew 2.6 percent last year and are projected to grow by 4.6 percent in the next.

Advanced Energy and Clean Energy are urging the next governor to work with the legislature next year to:

• Increase the state’s “renewable energy standard to provide market certainty for utilities and investors looking to build an energy economy that emphasizes low-cost, advanced technologies.

• Improve access to and procurement of renewable energy, noting that 71 of the Fortune 100 companies have set renewable energy or sustainability targets, as well as nearly half the Fortune 500.

Link to the full MST article here.