We'll post our refelections on the forum later.
Noon The final question is about encouraging a low carbon economy. J Drake Hamilton says the policy direction needs to be set by congress, then the government needs to allow private industry innovate the solution. She says there's no such things as clean coal. The audience claps.
Walz discusses the importance of setting up even, predictable direction for the low-carbon economy. Walz mentions a neighborhood energy project that reduces home energy costs by seventy percent
11:56 A question is raised about biofuels. Walz talks about the need to move away from food based ethanol (and notes the recent contraction of the industry). He notes the need to switch to second and third generation feedstocks. He notes the technical innovations that are occurring in the Winnebago ethanol plant.
Tim Penny mentions the SMIF's interest in the Madelia Model biomass plant.
11:52 One of the audience members wants to know about how the recovery bill will address transportation needs. Walz takes it and notes that planning is an important part of developing smart transportation, although infrastructure and building projects will be important. We'll come back to this one.
11:45 A question is asked about how the recovery bill will help research if projects have to be shovel ready. Walz addresses the fact that some parts of the stimulus is designed to kick start the economy, while the research being funded is to spur future economic development.
11:43 Next question: what can student do to prepare themselves for the new renewable energy industry. Naturally, Professor Winstead fields the question and tells the students to discover what's available now and acquaint themselves with local businesses and research projects that are close to the schoo.
Tim Penny talks about the WIRED grant program and other education programs across the district. Walz mentions a project that the IBEW maintains in Rochester to train apprentices.
11: 39 The organizers expected 100 people; over 150 are in the house. Audience questions have started. First question: How important is local ownership? Dan Juhl takes the question and explains while the jobs alone are wonderful for rural Minnesota, it's important to make sure that local communities have ownership and reap a part of the profits. Instead, much of the money earned goes to foreign countries.
Walz talks about efforts to change the tax cose so that local owners can keep economic benefits in the area.
Penny expands the question. First discussing the case of wind, then noting how other renewable energy projects need to be able to capture more of the profits.
11: 33 Dr. Vincent Winstead, an engineering prof at MSUM, explained the connection between academic institutions, research, stewardship and renewable energy. J. Drake Hamilton, from Fresh Energy, sets out her group's agenda.
11:27 Gerry Parzino, United Steelworkers/ Blue Green Alliance representative, explains why the Steelworkers are part of the BGA; bottom line: good sustainable jobs. Dan Juhl, wind industry pioneer, touts the need for community-based energy projects.
11:23 Former Congressman Tim Penny, now CEO of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, says it's about time that Americans address energy and economy issues. He notes that the country missed a similar opportunity thirty years ago. He talks about the work of the SMIF on renewable eergy economic issues.
11:19 Congressman Walz notes that America is at a turning point: be buffeted by the world, or take charge and make choices about energy, environment and economy. He believes Americans are their best during times of adversity, from Vallley Forge to the Great Depression to the Civil Rights Movement. Listening and pragmatismmust overcome ideology.
11: 00 a.m.Samantha Chadwick has just introduced Congressman Walz.
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