Terri Bonoff

The Problem

The United Nations estimates, in their most recent report, that we have only a few short years to act before the planet faces irreversible and universal damage.  We face the real possibility that for the first time in history, our generation will leave our children with a problem that cannot be solved through innovation and hard work alone.  This is the most urgent challenge we are faced with today.  The Union of Concerned

Scientists estimates that we must cut greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050 to avoid disastrous repercussions.

The Solution

By addressing global warming we can reduce our dependency on foreign oil and make our nation safer.  Investing in renewable energy like wind and cellulosic ethanol will bring over 18,000 high paying jobs to the Minnesota economy.  That is why, we must:

• Export Minnesota’s tough renewable energy standards to the nation.  In Minnesota, 25% of our energy must come from renewable sources by 2025.  That should be the national standard.
• Raise CAFÉ standards. support legislation, such as Markey-Platts to raise standards to 35 mpg.
• Institute a cap and trade system.  A federal cap and trade system will reduce emissions by 80% by 2050 while generating revenue for clean energy technologies
• Create a national carbon registry.  If we are going to tax emissions, we need to know where those emissions are coming from.
• Find new sources of Biofuels. End the excessive subsidies for corn-based biofuels.  We are damaging our food supply and the sustainability of our agriculture.

On the Record

As a member of the Minnesota Senate, Terri Bonoff has:

• Voted for some of the toughest renewable energy standards in the country.  These standards signal to private business that their investments in green technology will be profitable for a long time to come.
• Made mass transit a priority.  She authored legislation to study rail transit in the 394 corridor.
• Terri’s lived in these suburbs all her life and she knows that not only can we secure our future by reducing our dependence on fossil fuels; we can make people’s lives better by easing their commute.
• Brought hydro-electric to the Twin Cities.  Terri successfully wrote and passed legislation for a hydro-electric power plant at St Anthony Falls.  Hydro-electric is one of the most efficient ways toreduce fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Earned the support of conservationists.  Terri received the League of Conservation Voters’ 100% Environmental Voting Award this past session and was endorsed by the Sierra Club in 2006.
• Moving Minnesota forward.  Just this year, Terri voted to both study a state-wide cap and trade model and to change Minnesota’s vehicle emissions standards to mirror California’s tough regulations.