Dirty Power Plants, Dirty Water
Over half of the electricity used in the United States comes from coal-burning power plants. Coal is a major source of two of our most challenging pollution problems – mercury and Global Warming. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are homegrown, unlimited and produce no pollution. Yet less than 3% of our electricity comes from clean, renewable sources of energy like wind, solar and biofuels. To protect our air, our water and our health, we need to turn this around with a commitment to clean, renewable energy.

Thirsty Power Plants
Not only do our large, centralized power plants produce pollution problems, they also use a lot of water. In Minnesota, the largest consumptive use of water is for energy production. This is especially true for the large, centralized coal and nuclear power plants. Couple the excessive water used to generate electricity with the impact emissions has on water quality and it becomes clear that to protect our lakes, rivers and streams will must have a new, clean energy system.

Our Solution: Clean Energy, Clean Water

National Renewable Electricity Standard: A Tried and True Solution
A national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) sets a requirement that a portion of our power comes from renewable sources by a deadline – like 20% by 2020. Currently, nearly 200 million Americans in 26 states—including Minnesota, Montana, Iowa and Wisconsin—enjoy the benefits of a state Renewable Energy Standard. Congress must act now and pass a national RES, which is long overdue. A transition to renewable power will slow Global Warming, decrease air and water pollution, protect our future energy security and develop the green economy of the future.

Spreading the word
Clean Water Action first began speaking with Minnesotans about clean, renewable energy in the early 90s. Since then, we have had millions of conversations with people across the state about the importance of transitioning to a Clean Energy future. We’ve urged our members to tell decision-makers how they feel and demand safer, cleaner sources of energy.

Victories

• Legislation requiring 90% reduction of mercury emissions from the top polluters in Minnesota passed in 2006.
• The best state Renewable Electricity Standard in the US, requiring that 25% of Minnesota’s electricity come from renewable sources by 2025 passed in 2006.
• A Community-Based Energy Development program established to encourage more locally owned renewable energy projects.
• Bringing about the clean-up of three dirty metro area coal burning power plants, taking coal pollution out of the inner city in Minneapolis and St. Paul and requiring strict pollution control at the Allen S. King coal plant near Stillwater.

Current Clean Water Action Priorities:

• A national RES that transfers Minnesota’s leading program to the national stage.
• Block the expansion or development of coal power plants serving Minnesota that cannot guarantee zero emissions.
• Passage of a Clean Cars law. Having Minnesota join 14 other states in adopting California’s strong standards for new passenger vehicles to give Minnesotans more affordable, cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
• Incorporation of Smart Growth planning across the state to help reduce the number of miles driven by Minnesotans.
• Passage of a Low Carbon Fuel Standard in Minnesota to ensure that the fuels used in Minnesota vehicles have a minimal environmental and health impact.

Take Action - Tell Congress to Repower, Refuel and Rebuild America
Do your part by telling Congress to act to Repower, Refuel and Rebuild America by making these principals part of our national strategy.