Thank you for your support of the climate change legislation. It is critical for the sustainability of our environment and for the growth of our economy.

The EPA’s comprehensive review of the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act (S1733) predicts that “household consumption will continue to grow” with or without the climate bill. Their analysis of the House version of the bill found that average household energy costs would decrease by 2 to 7 percent over the next 10 years due to savings from short and long-term efficiency measures. The bill includes provisions to protect rate payers from electricity spikes. The revenue that the bill generates from polluters could be used for expanded clean energy initiatives. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy estimates that American consumers could save as much as $750 per household per year by 2020 and $3,900 per household per year by 2030.

Clean energy legislation encourages energy efficiency, reduces global warming pollution and increases jobs. According to a recent study by the Center for American Progress and the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts, based on its share of a total of $150 billion annually in clean energy investments, Minnesota could see a net increase of $2.7 billion in investment revenue and of 30,000 jobs. This would reduce unemployment significantly and increase job growth that Minnesota cannot afford to ignore.

Rose Hood

Albert Lea