Congresswoman McCollum and Pew Charitable Trusts Help Grow Minnesota’s Clean Energy Sector
For Immediate Release: January 17, 2012
Contact:
Maria Reppas (McCollum), (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Tracy Schario (Pew Charitable Trusts), 202.540.6582, tschario@pewtrusts.org
St. Paul, MN – Today, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) and the Pew Charitable Trusts hosted a roundtable with Minnesota clean energy business leaders. This event was part of Congresswoman McCollum's ongoing support of expanding a clean energy economy in Minnesota. Event participants included leaders from WindLogics, Inc., Harris Companies, tenKsolar, Geronimo Wind, MN Solar Energy Industries Association, Ever-Green Energy, the City of St. Paul and the State of Minnesota's Energy Office.
"Supporting job growth and innovation in Minnesota's clean energy sector is a top priority for me," said Congresswoman McCollum. "Today's dialogue is an opportunity for leaders in business, government and the research community to increase our collaboration on a strategy to win the global clean energy race. Together, we can build a new energy economy in Minnesota that creates jobs, improves the environment and increases our energy independence."
"Even in the midst of a global economic downturn, the global clean energy sector attracted a record $260 billion in private investment in 2011," said Phyllis Cuttino, director of the Pew Clean Energy Program. "By encouraging clean energy innovation, the growth of wind and solar power, electric and hybrid vehicles and energy-efficient equipment, technology and infrastructure, America can create jobs and businesses, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, save energy and protect the environment."
In 2010, Pew found that the United States fell to number three behind China and Germany for clean energy private investment. Building a new clean energy economy will help the United States create jobs. Investing in renewable resources and energy efficiency will also lessen our dependence on coal and imported oil.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees.
The Pew Clean Energy Program seeks to accelerate the clean energy economy for national security, economic and environmental benefits. www.PewEnvironment.org/CleanEnergy.
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