News

Arctic Explorer Leads Renewable Energy Expedition
to Combat Global Warming

 

For Immediate Release
June 26, 2006

 

Arctic Explorer Leads Renewable Energy Expedition to Combat Global Warming

(Saint Paul, Minn.) Calling it “a crisis Minnesotans can turn into a great opportunity,” arctic explorer Will Steger spoke today on the connection between fighting global warming and investing in alternative fuels and renewable energy for the 21st century.

 

Steger’s comments echoed over and over during a Southern Minnesota tour called the “Renewable Energy Expedition,” which was sponsored by the Minnesota Natural Legacy Campaign (MNLC) and The Minnesota Project.

The tour focused on raising awareness about the need to combat global warming by using energy sources including ethanol, wind power, biodiesel and methane digesters. The tour included stops at the Agri-Energy ethanol plant in Luverne, the MinWind biodiesel peaking plant, a wind turbine near Lake Benton, and a methane digester at Northern Plains Dairy near St. Peter.

 

“In my 20 years of exploring the arctic I have seen first hand the devastation brought by global warming, now is the time to ramp up investment in clean energy technology,” said Will Steger. “Now is the time for Minnesotans, and our elected officials, to get serious about dealing with global warming.”

 

Minnesota’s farmers and their communities hold the key to fighting global warming. Rural communities lead the way in the development of wind power, ethanol, biodiesel, and methane digesters. Locally owned renewable energy hold tremendous economic opportunities for farmers and their communities while bringing cleaner air and energy independence to the nation.

 

“Addressing global warming gives us a unique opportunity to balance our commitment to protecting the environment and creating new jobs across Minnesota, especially in rural communities” said Steger. “I am proud to work with organizations like the Minnesota Natural Legacy Campaign and Minnesota Project that want to use common sense solutions to solve pressing environmental problems while creating economic opportunities for farmer and their communities.”

 

Will Steger is a native Minnesotan and has explored the arctic since 1986. He has received numerous awards and citations for his work as an explorer and environmental advocate. Steger is also the author of Crossing Antarctica, North to the Pole and Saving the Earth.

 

The MNLC is a group of community leaders who recognize that stopping global climate change will create economic opportunity and preserve Minnesota’s natural heritage. To find out more about coalition or the issue please visit www.mnlegacy.com.

 

The Minnesota Project is a nonprofit organization that connects people with policy to nurture collaborations that build strong local economies, vibrant communities and a healthy environment. To find out more about this work please visit www.mnproject.org.