Two weeks ago State Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL — Inver Grove Heights) invited former Governor Tim Pawlenty to testify against HF 72 (Beard), a bill which calls for a repeal of a greenhouse gas emission reduction law spearheaded by Gov. Pawlenty in 2007. The former Governor did not respond. In the absence of Governor’s testimony, Atkins played a short video for the House Commerce committee at today’s hearing which included several public comments by Governor Pawlenty’s in support of renewable energy policies which HF 72 would repeal. “Governor Pawlenty has shown the courage to stand for renewable energy and its job growing potential in Minnesota,” said Atkins. “It seems appropriate for us to get his input before we dismantle legislation he signed that made Minnesota a nation leader in the emerging renewable energy economy.” **Speech at 2:00 given to Midwest Ag Energy Network Summit, not Great Plains Institute**

Today, the House is debating HR 2776 – Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2007. The Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2007 would accelerate the use of clean domestic renewable energy sources and alternative fuels. The bill provides longterm tax incentives encouraging the production of electricity from renewable energy — including energy derived from wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, river currents, ocean tides, landfill gas, and trash combustion resources. The bill also provides tax incentives for the production of renewable fuels such as cellulosic alcohol, biodiesel and renewable diesel.