Clean Energy For Good Jobs and a Safer World: ME3 Leads the Clean Energy Transition

By J. Drake Hamilton

Every day, people call Minnesotans for an Energy Efficient Economy -- ME3 -- to find out what they can do to get clean energy jobs in their town, or to understand who is providing leadership -- or failing to lead -- on developing clean energy solutions to our health and economic challenges.

Are you troubled by the lack of national and Minnesota action to slow global warming pollution? Do you want to know the ways we can cut the mercury pollution that is contaminating our fish and harming our kids' health? Do you want viable transportation choices that don't rely on importing more oil?

Welcome to ME3, an organization that empowers citizens to influence decisions on energy and the environment. People come to ME3 because they believe that innovation and technological know-how, combined with the Midwest's natural resources, can revitalize the economy for the 21st century. ME3 members don't accept that developing more of the out-of-date energy technologies of the past, such as coal and nuclear power, should determine the future.

ME3 members know that real progress demands real solutions, and the Midwest has the natural resources to create new local, clean energy sources. With the help of our supporters, ME3 leads the transition to a clean, efficient, and fair energy system. One example: ME3 has played a lead role in the development of over $2 billion in Midwestern wind energy investment. That wind power lowers our reliance on dirty sources of power -- such as coalfired power plants -- and provides profits on Minnesota's windy farmland, with none of the pollution that damages our health and our fish -- and no global warming pollution!

Come to www.me3.org if you are looking to make a difference for your kids' future. ME3's website is chock full of energy information, the latest developments in energy solutions, and opportunities to take effective action. Sign up to become an electronic activist. Learn what to look for in buying green power and how to choose efficient Energy Star(R) appliances that will save you money and cut down on air and water pollution. Subscribe to Global Warming Action, our new monthly publication highlighting good global warming solutions. Track Minnesota's energy progress--and hold elected leaders accountable for energy decisions.

ME3 is proud that many of the users of our website are from government, business, and the media. Come to www.me3.org to see why so many leaders go to our website first to answer their energy and environmental questions. Participate in energy events taking place near you. Use our speakers' bureau to request that an ME3 energy expert address your congregation or civic organization.

What energy sources will power your grandchildren's future? Many of the economic and policy decisions that will set the course for the next 50 years are being made today. Please consider joining ME3 as a member, and take an active role in creating your energy future. We're an organization that brings together likely and not-so-likely partners. We speak out, and we're heard by decision makers. And in this way, we're your ticket to the center of political power.

Pick up a printed copy of Sustainable Minnesota, ME3's quarterly newsletter, at the customer service counter at the Wedge. Or contact ME3 for more details.

J. Drake Hamilton is Science Policy Director at Minnesotans for an EnergyEfficient Economy (ME3). Contact her at 651-726-7562, or Hamilton@me3.org.