August Energy Forums

2009 Energy Forums [pdf]

Dear Friends,

It’s hard to believe it’s almost the middle of August.  The nights are already getting a little shorter, back to school supplies are on the shelves, and the State Fair and Labor Day are just around the corner.

During this time of year, many of us also start to think of fall chores that lie ahead, whether it’s closing up the cabin for winter, putting up fire wood  or taking other steps to make our homes just a little warmer for the winter months.  This year,  thanks to a number of programs made possible through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act  and our own state energy programs, there are more resources available to help us make our homes ,businesses and public buildings more energy efficient,  or to add renewable energy systems.

Times are hard for many Americans. The downturn in the economy will increase the numbers of Americans who have trouble paying their electric bills.  The Federal Stimulus bill will soon be providing some relief in this area and, while the bill itself and its funding are a one time action, the results will go on and on.  New energy-saving windows and insulation will remain on the job, saving energy and fuel costs for many years to come. New renewable technologies will remain in place, again, saving energy and fuel costs on into the future. 

We have entered a time of great challenge on several fronts, both nationally and here in Minnesota.  One of these challenges lies in how we meet our energy needs and wants. 

Fortunately, we have many opportunities to refine our present system of energy generation and transmission, and to encourage and develop new methods of producing the energy we require, now and in the future.

Among these new methods will be greater reliance on renewables such as wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal to augment our current sources.

Many of you have written to me in the past year, asking to have a conversation about how we can meet our energy needs and what I plan to do to help keep that energy affordable and secure.  This past session I authored several bills that address these issues.   Now I want to invite you to Energy Forums scheduled throughout the district on August 19,20 and 21, that can help you access the programs and resources.

This series of Energy Forums is designed to help homeowners, businesses and local government learn about how to take advantage of the resources available to them.  There are many opportunities out there as a result of the federal stimulus funds, but people haven’t really known how to take advantage of them. These forums will provide some real, practical information that will help you begin to make plans about your own energy future.

I’ve included a schedule of the forums below.  Please consider attending one of the forums in the area – it’s sure to be educational and well worth your time.  We’re in the midst of a real change in the way we think about energy and the smartest ways to develop and use it. I’m hopeful these meetings will offer some good information that will not only help people manage their energy costs with a look to future energy security, but will also help put some people to work and strengthen our local economy.  Hope to see you there!

And as always, please feel free to contact me with any questions related to state government. 

Sincerely,
Brita

Brita Sailer
State Representative
District 2B