I write to thank Rep. Collin Peterson for his work on the energy bill this past summer and to urge everyone to call Peterson's office (as well as our senators) to urge support for two more important provisions. These provisions are called the Renewable Electricity Standard from the House and the Fuel Economy (CAFE) provision.
The first would require that 15 percent of our electricity be generated by renewable sources like wind, solar, and biomass by 2020. In our area, both wind and biomass are important to both helping our environment and creating jobs. The second provision -- the Fuel Economy one, nicknamed CAFÉ -- would require that vehicles get 35 miles per gallon by 2020. The second provision is especially important with the price of gas over $3 per gallon now.
I recently wrote a sample research paper to show my students on the topic of E85 and diesel fuel. I was surprised to find that regardless of the fuel sources, few vehicles get good gas mileage. For example, I checked the site www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/how_tested.shtml to see how mileage is estimated and used the U. S. Department of Energy's Web page to check the mileage of any vehicle, www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm .
The way mileage is computed was recently changed. When I checked various vehicles, I was surprised as so few get anywhere near 35 miles per gallon, even checking the hybrids, flex-fuel and diesel vehicles. The technology exists because cars in Europe get better gas mileage. If this bill passes, it would save consumers nearly $25 billion at the pump in 2020, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. To save money in the future, please call today. Rep. Collin Peterson, 320-235-1061; Sen. Norm Coleman, 651-645-0323; and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, 612-727-5220.
Peggy Karsten
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Willmar
