ACTION ALERT: Tell Gov. Pawlenty
to Fund RIM-Clean Energy
3/25/08
Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM)-Clean Energy is in danger of receiving no funding during this session of the Minnesota Legislature. This would cripple this innovative bioenergy/conservation program before it gets off the ground. The Land Stewardship Project has been working with numerous other groups to launch RIM-Clean Energy because of the potential it has for producing bioenergy using perennial plant systems. A well-funded RIM-Clean Energy program would protect the environment and generate economic benefits for farmers and rural communities in general. We cannot afford to let RIM-Clean Energy die before it even gets started.
For more information on RIM-Clean Energy, see the press release at www.landstewardshipproject.org/pr/08/newsr_080225.htm or LSP’s fact sheet on the initiative at www.landstewardshipproject.org/pdf/RIM-CE_fact_sheet.pdf.
Background
RIM-Clean Energy was created by the 2007 Legislature, but now it needs funding to get off the ground. Unfortunately, the House proposes no funding for the program, and the Senate has only $1.5 million budgeted. Calls and e-mails are needed to Governor Tim Pawlenty to make sure this program gets solid financial support.
The Message
E-mail Gov. Tim Pawlenty at tim.pawlenty@state.mn.us or call him at 651-296-3391; 800-657-3717. Here is the message: “Governor Pawlenty, please continue your leadership on RIM-Clean Energy and make sure it is funded minimally at your initial recommendation of $3.3 million. I would urge you to try and find more money—$15 million would get this program off to a good start.”
For more information on this or any other legislative priority of the Land Stewardship Project, e-mail Bobby King at bking@landstewardshipproject.org or call 612-722-6377. LSP Policy organizer Paul Sobocinski can be reached at sobopaul@redred.com or 507-342-2323.
