State leaders work to improve the nation’s energy efficiency

Written by Adam Desautal Tuesday, 03 November 2009 08:00

North Dakota’s plans to become a part of a greater national move towards cleaner, greener energy are becoming clearer and more profound.

State leaders met at the White House on Wednesday, Oct. 28, where they worked towards advancing energy policies that have progressed our nation significantly in the beginning stages of what they hope to be one of our country’s largest industry changes in decades, and possibly even centuries.

In a press release, North Dakota Senator Tim Mathern, one of the 40 state legislators from across the U.S. chosen for the meeting, declared North Dakota as one of the nations leading states in energy-efficient technologies.

“North Dakota and many other states have shown leadership building a cleaner, more energy-efficient future,” Mathern said. “State legislators play a unique role in clean-energy jobs policies. We’re elected representatives of the people, we know the businesses and labor issues in our states, and many of us see federal action as impacting the next generation of innovation and prosperity in America.”

The American Clean Energy and Security Act is what the current debate surrounds. “To create clean energy jobs, achieve energy independence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energy economy,” is its stated summary.

According to www.opencongress.org, one of many websites that track legislation to inform the public concerning bills’ progress, the bill was passed in the House on June 26, 2009, and is currently awaiting the Senate and Presidential stages.

Creating an energy-efficient future without the need of as many non-renewable energy sources is only a part of the goal. The economic stimulation due to the addition and creation of many jobs is something many are looking forward to.

“Renewable energy projects can create new good paying jobs right here in North Dakota as have coal and oil,” Mathern said.