The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Your View

June 25, 2009

Your View: Clean Energy Act will help revive economy

Katy Wortel, Mankato



Today, the United States House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the American Clean Energy and Security Act. I have seen a couple letters to the editor and heard some radio ads trying to pressure Rep. Tim Walz into voting against the bill.

I would like to reassure Walz that most people get it, that we have to do something about climate change, and it is going to cost some money to do it. Nobody likes the alternative — an increasingly hotter, stormier and unlivable planet. In other words, not doing something is going to cost a lot more down the road.

Currently 85 percent of our nation’s energy usage comes from fossil fuels and 40 percent of all energy produced goes to run buildings. Both those statistics have got to change dramatically towards clean, renewable energy and energy conservation if we are to make any headway against climate change.

The Clean Energy Act will provide incentives for both clean energy and energy conservation, and continue to help revive the economy with new green jobs.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Your View