‘Green collar’ jobs and the three Rs

Minnesota has taken a bold, confident step forward. Landmark legislation advancing alternative energy production and consumption brings together two long-term benefits particularly important for our area: environmental stewardship and economic gain. The growing ‘green collar’ economy offers exciting, sustainable jobs for local residents. The biofuel industry, especially as it grows and develops new technologies, is a major player in our nation’s future energy security. The ‘green collar’ jobs associated with growing crops, drawing energy from a wider range of plants, designing efficient equipment, and more will help rural Minnesota compete economically in the 21st century.

Realizing the ‘green collar’ potential requires investing in the three Rs: research, roads, and rail. We can build upon our gateway biofuel success, especially with biodiesel and ethanol, by discovering and designing increasingly efficient and clean technologies. Investment in research today–at our local colleges and in the private sector–will yield greater economic gains tomorrow.

Research and production require the other two Rs: roads and rail. Our transportation system must be sufficiently strong and safe to deliver our green-collar energy ‘produce’ to markets in Minnesota and far beyond. A comprehensive transportation investment plan that starts to strengthen our roads, Highway 14, for example, and protect our drivers is necessary. Minnesota must enhance its century-old, publicly-owned rail system–such as the Minnesota Prairie Line running through Sibley County–for farmers, coops, and others to ship economically, efficiently, and safely.

I look forward to working with folks throughout our community in 2008 to ensure that the three Rs are focuses of state investment in our future.

Representative Terry Morrow, 23A

appeared in several area newspapers