Governors back Pawlenty's energy plan, but split on economic stimulus
By Bill Salisbury, Twin Cities, 02/26/2008
WASHINGTON — The nation's governors wrapped up their annual meeting here Monday with general agreement to pursue Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty's clean-energy initiative but conflicting views on the need for a new federal economic stimulus package that would pump money into roads, bridges, sewers and water projects.
The "clear theme" that emerged from the three-day meeting, North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven said, was the need for "fuel diversity" to meet the nation's need for clean, dependable energy.
The governors agreed they must develop not only relatively new energy sources, such as wind and nongrain ethanol, but also new technology to provide cleaner oil, gas, coal and nuclear power, Hoeven said.
"We have to think in terms of developing all of these sources," he said. "Recognizing that is an important step forward."
Hoeven credited Pawlenty, a fellow Republican and the chairman of the National Governors Association, for bringing together leaders from energy industries, environmentalists and other experts to drive home his energy message.
Pawlenty's top priority for the meeting was to persuade the governors to act on his yearlong initiative, "Securing a Clean Energy Future." He said the governors agreed to take steps to conserve energy, use renewable fuels, reduce greenhouse gases and develop clean-energy technology, albeit on their own terms and timetables.
"One thing I think we accomplished for sure is we created a heightened level of interest and awareness about clean and renewable energy issues that should inspire governors to do more," he said at the meeting's conclusion.
Earlier this month, Congress passed President Bush's economic-stimulus program, which will provide tax rebates to individuals next summer. During a meeting Monday at the White House, several Democratic governors urged Bush to consider a second such package.
The $12 billion proposal would "revitalize the nation's infrastructure" and put Americans back to work on public-works projects, said Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell.
"In order for us to avoid the Minneapolis (Interstate 35W bridge) situation across America, we need a dramatic infusion of federal dollars to rebuild our basic infrastructure," said Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire, a Democrat. That step would spark economic growth, she said.
But Bush wasn't interested, Gregoire said. The president told the governors he wants to see the results of the first stimulus package before he considers another.
Pawlenty agreed with Bush. "I think it's premature to talk about the contents or details of a second stimulus package because neither the Congress nor the president has even agreed to consider one yet," he said.
With Bush's term ending early next year, the White House meeting was his last with all the governors.
During a black-tie dinner Sunday night at the White House, Pawlenty toasted Bush.
"I said on behalf of the governors, with gratitude and respect, we appreciate the strong leadership that he's provided to our country over the last eight years ... in challenging times," he said.
Pawlenty planned to stay in Washington today to testify with Rendell on health care at a House committee hearing and to meet with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Republican Minority Leader John Boehner to discuss economic issues.
The Pioneer Press is happy to host community conversations about news and life in the Twin Cities. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary.
It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.
http://origin.twincities.com/ci_8362993?nclick_check=1
