Legacy issue?
Gov. Tim Pawlenty's new energy plan certainly has the feel of something he can point to as a legacy. Although he didn't release many details, it's policy that could set the tone for job growth in rural Minnesota for a generation.
Like former Gov. Arne Carlson's embrace of state-subsidized health care in the early 90's, it's an idea that has been promoted by many Democrats, and seems likely to be warmly embraced by the new DFL majorities in the upcoming session. Proposals like this tend to happen when there's plenty of credit to be shared. And although he did resist Senate DFL calls to go faster on renewables Pawlenty cannot be called a newcomer to the alternative energy issue, having been corn-based ethanol's biggest booster the past few years.
There now seems to be consensus both here and in Washington on renewable energy. This should be interesting to watch.
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