This week’s issue: Global warming and what Minnesota needs to do about it.

Rep. Maria Ruud (DFL-42A, Minnetonka) has introduced the Global Warming Mitigation Act into the Minnesota House of Representatives. According to a news release, the bill would call for a reduction of the state’s greenhouse gas levels by 15 percent by 2015, 30 percent by 2025 and 80 percent by 2050. Under the bill, carbon dioxide emissions coming from electricity generation would be regulated using the cap-and-trade system.

Ruud, who is vice chair of Energy Finance and Policy Division, said that “we have some very sound science now” that points to manmade global warming.

“While individual actions are absolutely important, this is an area where we need broader public policy,” said Ruud.

“It makes economic sense for our state to be a leader on this,” she added.

Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-42B, Eden Prairie) said in an e-mail that though there is bipartisan support for renewable energy initiatives, “I think there are more questions about how Minnesota can act as a standalone state to actually address climate change issues, when the federal government and other countries like China would need to take action to actually have an impact.”

In the Senate, the bill has been introduced and is working its way through committee. Sen. David Hann (R-42 Eden Prairie) said he would not support the bill in its current form. He said he is skeptical with regard to the science that says global warming is a manmade phenomenon.

“The thing about all this that isn’t talked about is what this is going to cost. This is what’s troubling about these things, is that we are going to mandate some remedy, although we’re not told what effect this will have, if we do all these things.”

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