Pawlenty revs up his peers on energy

TRAVERSE CITY, MICH. - With the nation's governors assembled before him, Gov. Tim Pawlenty said on Monday that the United States can no longer rely on "unstable and unfriendly" foreign sources for its growing energy needs and called for an "Americanization" of energy. As the new chairman of the National Governors Association, the Minnesota governor said that "securing a clean energy future" would be the group's top priority for the coming year.

"We will need all of your help," Pawlenty told his fellow governors as they wound up their annual three-day summer meeting in this bayside town.

In the past, he said, "we have as a nation enjoyed a seemingly inexhaustible" supply of oil and coal, but by 2030, he said, "only 65 percent of the nation's energy needs will come from domestic supplies."

Bringing about real, dramatic change in the nation's energy policies will require more than uniting its governors.

Resistance from influential industry groups and worries about economic costs prevented new Democratic majorities in Congress from passing sweeping energy legislation this year, although increased fuel efficiency standards did pass.

But as ambitious and complex as the goal may be, other governors agreed with Pawlenty that they want to push energy independence to the top of the nation's agenda.

By 2030, Pawlenty said, the United States also will be responsible for producing 20 percent of the world's carbon emissions, outpaced only by China.

"If we continue," he said, "we will risk the nation's security posture, its prosperity and quality of life."

Although he has pushed an alternative energy strategy at home in Minnesota for several years, Pawlenty, in his national rollout, broadened his focus to "cleaner energy," to include coal and petroleum producing states.

"We want to recognize traditional energy states that have concerns," Pawlenty said, nodding across the room to Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer and Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter. Cleaner, more efficient ways to burn fossil fuels, such as coal gasification, he said, should be part of the nation's energy arsenal right along with ethanol, wind, biodiesel and others.

Governors from fossil fuel states welcomed the invitation to be part of the energy independence agenda. "It's the governors in this country that are pushing harder than anyone," Ritter said. Even though Colorado has coal, oil and gas, Ritter said, "we need a renewable portfolio, too."

Pawlenty acknowledged that the energy effort will be a long-range one, relying on the bully pulpit afforded by his new position and the Governors Association's ability to steer grant and research funds toward their projects.

Previous Governors Association chairs have been able to fund research into childhood obesity and science, technology, engineering and math education advancements.

Pawlenty said he intends to establish "challenge grants," convene high-profile events around cleaner energy and explore state compacts and public-private partnerships.

Minnesota, he said, has led the way with recently passed standards that require 25 percent of its energy to come from renewable sources by 2025.

Earns points

Pawlenty's energy and friendly demeanor, along with serious intent and ability to listen have earned him points even among the alpha-types that make up the nation's governors.

"He's a bridge-builder, and, at his core, a decent human being," said Democratic Michigan Gov. Jennifer Gran- holm, after attending a sunrise prayer service on Sunday where Pawlenty read from the Old Testament's Isaiah. Discussion among a group as diverse as the governors "can devolve into partisan rhetoric," she said, "but he's really stayed focused more on policy than politics."

Minnesota DFLers might not recognize that description. They often accuse Pawlenty of political posturing and a stubborn refusal to compromise. But in Traverse City, he was feeling the love of his fellow leaders.

"Gov. Pawlenty is one of the most thoughtful, introspective of all our governors," said Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, the group's new vice chairman. "Among all our governors, no one looks to the future more than Tim Pawlenty."

Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, head of the Republican Governors Association, said that Pawlenty "exudes trust, and that's the most valuable commodity you can have in this business." When Pawlenty talks, he said, "I stop and listen."

Tight security

As part of the weekend's after-hours festivities, Perdue, a former Democrat, hosted a private reception where Pawlenty was among the guests.

As one of the few venues where governors of both parties can mingle, Governors Association meetings mix heavy policy with private-evening events that showcase the host city and give governors a chance to blow off steam. Events included golf, a private museum tour, a wine-tasting tour of local wineries, a late-night beach party complete with bonfire and toasted marshmallows, and an evening on Grand Traverse Bay with jazz combos, microbrews and food featuring Michigan products cooked by Culinary Institute chefs.

Corporate access

All that fun comes at a price. Costs for the weekend, which were not available, are underwritten by "corporate fellows" -- a Who's Who list of big business, most of whom sent representatives to gain that most precious commodity of all -- time with top politicians on their issues. From 3M to Northwest Airlines, Minnesota companies were there in abundance.

"It's supposed to give us ... access," said one woman representing an education-related company on Saturday. "I haven't talked to that many governors, but I'm hoping."

In a foretaste of what the Twin Cities can expect when it hosts the Republican National Convention next year, security at the event was tight, with state troopers and undercover security ringing the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, sending at least two chase cars with every tour bus and patrolling by boat when governors gathered along the bay.

Patricia Lopez • 651-222-1288 • plopez@startribune.com