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DFLers tout bills for environment
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A bill that would enable Minnesota to join California's effort to fight global warming by reducing pollution from car tailpipes passed its first test in a House committee this week and was one of two proposals that DFL legislators highlighted Friday as top environmental priorities for this year's session.
The measure, known as the Minnesota Clean Car Act, would adopt California rules that require automakers to reduce carbon dioxide 30 percent from new cars by 2016. Eighteen states have adopted or announced plans to adopt California's regulations.
But the rules haven't been put into place, because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has blocked California from implementing the requirements, which are stricter than federal standards. Minnesota has joined 17 other states in suing EPA to allow California to proceed with phasing in the restrictions.
Rep. Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park and sponsor of the Minnesota bill, said that she's not worried about the EPA's stance. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in April that carbon dioxide is a pollutant that needs to be regulated under the Clean Air Act, she said, and it's only a matter of time until California receives the go-ahead to phase in restrictions.
"That made it clear that Minnesota can move forward," Hortman said. "And every single candidate running for president has pledged they will issue California its waiver."
The bill passed the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee on Thursday. Auto manufacturers claim that reducing emissions imposes new burdens on the struggling industry and will significantly increase the prices of new cars.
DFLers also said they will introduce next week a bill called the Green Solutions Act, which will outline the framework for reducing greenhouse gases on a regional basis with five other Midwest states and Manitoba.
"It creates a market-driven system to limit and lower our carbon emissions," said Rep. Kate Knuth, DFL-New Brighton and sponsor of the bill.
The measure is expected to face resistance from utilities, large industries and other sectors that would eventually be charged fees to emit pollutants.
Tom Meersman • 612-673-7388
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Current state office holders
Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.
- Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
- Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
- Attorney General: Lori Swanson
- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.
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