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Tim Pawlenty on Energy & Oil

Republican MN Governor


Increase supply; diversify sources; drill ANWR

Q: What do you think about the Saudis increased oil production?

A: Well, it's relatively good news. We have a supply and demand problem, so the more supply we can get into the market, the better. But we also need to realize we can't just continue to rely on that approach for our future.

Q: But what about the addiction to imported oil?

A: Well, we have to diversify and Americanize our energy supply. Pres. Bush made the case for going ahead and drilling in ANWR. Listen to the president.

Source: CNN Late Edition: 2008 presidential series with Wolf Blitzer Jun 22, 2008

The more oil supply, the better

Q: What is your reaction to the Saudis deciding to increase oil production?

A: Well, it's relatively good news. We have a supply and demand problem, so the more supply we can get into the market, the better. But we also need to realize we can't just continue to rely on that approach for our future.

Q: But what do you do about the addiction to imported oil?

A: Well, we have to diversify and Americanize our energy supply. But we need to do it in a way that's environmentally sensitive and friendly

Source: CNN Late Edition: 2008 presidential series with Wolf Blitzer Jun 22, 2008

Extend tax incentives for energy efficiency and energy R&D

Letter from Governor Pawlenty and Governor Rendell to the Senate Finance Committee:

On behalf of the nation's governors, we urge Congress to extend expiring tax provisions for renewable energy efficiency, research and development. Continued and consistent support for renewable energy and efficiency through tax incentives is critical to the development and deployment of alternative energy technologies and energy efficiency.

To stimulate innovation, we encourage Congress to exten the research and development tax credit that expired last year. Providing business with an incentive to invest in research is critical for driving innovation and generating high wage job opportunities that will propel the U.S. economy throughout the 21st century.

Securing our energy future and promoting innovation are priorities at both the state and federal level. We strongly urge you to partner with governors by passing legislation on a bipartisan basis to extend these tax provisions this year.

Source: Letter from two governors to Senate Finance Committee May 21, 2008

Encourage development of locally owned wind energy sources

Source: Campaign website, www.timpawlenty.com, "Issues" Nov 7, 2006

Set goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025.

Pawlenty endorsed setting goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025

A resolution that it is the goal of the United States that, not later than January 1, 2025, the agricultural, forestry, and working land of the US should provide from renewable resources not less than 25% of the total energy consumed and continue to produce safe, abundant, and affordable food, feed, and fiber. [Governors also signed letters of endorsement at www.25x25.org]

Rep. SALAZAR: "Our resolution establishes a national goal of producing 25% of America's energy from renewable sources--like solar, wind and biofuels--by 2025. The "25x'25" vision is widely endorsed, bold, and fully attainable. If implemented, it would dramatically improve our energy security, our economy, and our ability to protect the environment.

"I am pleased that more than 20 of my colleagues in the Senate, from both sides of the aisle, are cosponsoring this resolution. In addition, the "25x'25" vision has been endorsed by 22 current and former governors and several State legislatures across the country. The Big Three automobile manufacturers--Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors--are all behind "25x'25" So are many agricultural organizations, environmental groups, scientists, and businesses, ranging from the Natural Resources Defense Council to John Deere.

"These Americans understand that we cannot continue to import 60% of our oil from foreign countries, many of which are hostile to the US, if we aim to be strong and secure in the world. They know that we will have to build a clean energy economy if we are to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. It is time for Congress to take a more active role in our clean energy future. Establishing a national goal--"25x'25" is the first step."

Source: 25x'25 Act (S.CON.RES.3 / H.CON.RES.25) 2007-SC03 on Jan 17, 2007

Other governors on Energy & Oil: Tim Pawlenty on other issues:
AK Sarah Palin
AL Bob Riley
AR Mike Bebee
AZ Janet Napolitano
CA Arnold Schwarzenegger
CO Bill Ritter
CT Jodi Rell
*DE Ruth Ann Minner
FL Charlie Crist
GA Sonny Perdue
HI Linda Lingle
IA Chet Culver
ID Butch Otter
IL Rod Blagojevich
*IN Mitch Daniels
KS Kathleen Sebelius
KY Steve Beshear
LA Bobby Jindal
MA Deval Patrick
MD Martin O`Malley
ME John Baldacci
MI Jennifer Granholm
MN Tim Pawlenty
*MO Matt Blunt
MS Haley Barbour
*MT Brian Schweitzer
*NC Mike Easley
*ND John Hoeven
NE Dave Heineman
*NH John Lynch
NJ Jon Corzine
NM Bill Richardson
NV Jim Gibbons
NY David Paterson
OH Ted Strickland
OK Brad Henry
OR Ted Kulongoski
PA Ed Rendell
RI Don Carcieri
SC Mark Sanford
SD Mike Rounds
TN Phil Bredesen
TX Rick Perry
*UT Jon Huntsman
VA Tim Kaine
*VT Jim Douglas
*WA Christine Gregoire
WI Jim Doyle
*WV Joe Manchin III
WY Dave Freudenthal
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* indicates election in 2008. See Governor's List for challengers.

Page last updated: Sep 26, 2008