Minnesota already has carved out a reputation for innovation in renewable fuels, but Governor Tim Pawlenty and MDA Commissioner Gene Hugoson continue to lead the way with new ideas for use of renewable energy.

Governor Pawlenty’s Next Generation Energy Initiative was launched in 2006 and is expected to result in more renewable energy, more energy conservation and less carbon emissions in Minnesota.

The Governor’s initiative includes:

• More Renewables – The Governor is moving the state closer to his 25x’25 strategy, whereby 25 percent of all the state’s energy will come from renewable resources by 2025.
• Expanding the Renewable Energy Objective (REO) – Under the current REO, Minnesota electric utilities are expected to generate at least 10 percent of the electricity they supply consumers from renewable resources by 2015.  In his 2006 initiative, Governor Pawlenty proposed the REO increase to 25 percent by 2025.
• E85 Everywhere – The E85 Everywhere program would increase the number of Minnesota’s E85 pumps from 300 in 2006 to 1,800 by 2010.  In addition, the Governor proposed grants to retail station owners to help cover the cost of E85 pump installations.
• Promoting cellulosic ethanol and advance biomass technologies – The Governor called for financial resources to encourage the growth and development of next-generation biofuels, such as cellulosic ethanol and advanced bio-gas technologies to offset natural gas use in the state, with a special focus on farmer ownership.

“The Next Generation Energy Initiative provides the pathway to that better energy future,” Governor Pawlenty said.  “Taking these steps will be good for the environment, good for rural economies, good for national security, and good for consumers.”