It's important to diversify the nation's energy supply and increase the security and reliability of energy, according to Congressman Jim Oberstar.
"We need to get ahead of the cost of oil," said Oberstar during a renewable energy forum at the Hunt Utilities Group (HUG) research campus in Pine River Friday. "We've seen iron ore mines depleted and turned to taconite ... We can (always) grow more corn."
Oberstar arrived at the forum after a tour of the Wiese farm in Pequot Lakes and a discussion of country-of-origin labeling.
New legislation should incorporate renewable resources and greater fuel economy, according to Oberstar.
Other members of the panel shared Oberstar's emphasis on renewable resources.
The panel included Sara Hayden, research coordinator at the Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL); Ryan Hunt, co-owner of Green Range Renewable Energy; and David Winkelman, founder of Winkelman Environmentally Responsible Construction (WERC). Lynn Hunt, founder and senior partner of HUG, served as moderator of the discussion.
When questioned on the return of investment for ethanol production and use, Oberstar said there is a misunderstanding of the facts. He went on to say that over the last three years, the Little Falls ethanol plant made the difference for farmers who otherwise would have incurred a loss.
Oberstar mentioned the Green Goat switch engine that runs 24 hours a day with a dramatic reduction in pollution. He also spoke about his support for light rail by helping acquire funding for Minnesota's light rail system.
"If the United States resolved to convert 10 percent of transportation to transit, it would save 455 million barrels (of oil) per year; the amount imported from Saudi Arabia," Oberstar said.
Hayden spoke about fuel poverty, a situation where people rely on a fuel assistance program year after year. People in this situation sometimes need to choose between food and heating their home.
According to Hayden, of the $78 million of energy assistance, nothing is put toward renewable energy. Her organization, RREAL, seeks to alleviate rural poverty, reduce air pollution and contribute to self-reliance and sustainable living by making solar energy systems available to people of all income levels. Hayden says RREAL, which is funded by private donors and grants, is ready to grow by increasing installations and the area it covers.
Ryan Hunt said Green Range's Biodiesel Microbrewery produces approximately 700 gallons of biodiesel fuel a day. Biodiesel is made from renewable vegetable oil, grown and processed locally. It burns cleaner, provides 70 percent reduction in carbon particulates and carcinogens and doesn't contribute to global warming.
Winkelman wants renewable energy to reduce future health problems; lower sulphur, acid rain and mercury in the air. His company helps build environmental businesses.
According to HUG, the purpose of their campus is to help develop and teach ways that we can live more comfortably with the earth. Toward that goal, Winkelman and WERC recently erected a 120 foot, 20 kilowatt Jacobs wind turbine at the HUG campus. This is a farm-size or large home-sized unit made possible by a grant from Minnesota Power. The turbine and a neighboring information building made of cob: clay, sand and straw, will be open to the public soon.
"All energy on earth comes from the sun, including the wind," according to a WERC publication. "The energy in the wind is free, and that free fuel is harvestable, abundant and consistent...Wind power is a safe, effective, cost-efficient and environmentally responsible way to provide energy for all our society."
And using wind for energy is not a new idea. Winkelman said the first Jacobs wind turbine was used in 1922.
