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U.S. Senators Get Preview of Renewable Energy Future

Klobuchar, Tester Showcase Innovative Research at University of Minnesota

October 1, 2007

St. Paul, MN – Getting a preview of America’s homegrown energy future, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Jon Tester (D-MT) participated in briefing and tour this past weekend of cutting-edge renewable energy projects under development at the University of Minnesota.

Klobuchar and Tester were on the St. Paul campus at the University of Minnesota’s Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment (IREE), which is developing creative renewable energy solutions by harnessing the expertise of University faculty and scientists. 

The Senators met with about a dozen University faculty and staff members and toured the Biofuels & Bioproducts Innovative Laboratory.  The focus was on the latest research for converting biomass resources into fuels and value-added products, including cellulosic-based ethanol.

“This research promises exciting developments for our energy, economic and environmental future,” said Klobuchar. “These emerging technologies will promote America’s energy independence and create new jobs, while also reducing the greenhouse gases that cause global warming.  The University of Minnesota is a leader in this research, and the economic development potential is vast for states like Minnesota and Montana with our abundance of natural resources.” 
 
“Biofuels are going to be a huge part of our energy future – especially in states like Montana and Minnesota,” said Tester, a Montana farmer and longtime supporter of biofuels. “It's good to see up close what University of Minnesota researchers are doing with things like cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel.  In Washington, Amy and I will continue to make sure biofuel development is a big part of the solution to make America more energy independent.”

Both Klobuchar and Tester are leading figures in the Senate on renewable energy issues.  Klobuchar serves on both the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Environment Committee.  Tester serves on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

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