doe Atkins State Representative District 398 Dakota County Minnesota House of Representati February 15,2011 The Honorable Tim Pawlenty Former Governor, State of Minnesota 4117 Countryview Dr, Eagan, MN 53123 Dear Governor Pawlenty: Thope this letter finds you well. I am sure you have heard that a bill has been proposed in the Minnesota Legislature to repeal a significant part of the Next Generation Energy Act of 2007 (NGEA). This bill (HF 72-Beard) would repeal Minn, Stat, 2161.03 which restricts the construction of new coal plants in Minnesota and the importation of electricity from new coal s someone who pushed strongly for the NGEA and signed it into lawy, plants in other states. expect that efforts to repeal it cause you great concern, When you signed the NGEA into law on May 25, 2007 you stated, "The nation has been asleep at the switch, but here in Minnesota we -starting the future by increasing our nation-leading per capita renewable fuel use, boosting cost saving measures and tackling greenhouse gas emissions." These words rem: true, but if HF 72 were to become law, it would be an enormous step backwards in addressing what you called "one of the most important issues of our time.” are kicl HE 72 passed out of the House Environment, Energy & Natural Resources Committee and now sits in the House Commerce & Regulatory Reform Committee. The bill will likely be heard in the next few weeks, As the lead DFL member on that committee, I would like to formally invite you to testify before the committee. I believe it would be very helpful for members of the committee and the public to hear how important the NGEA is to Minnesota's future. Iam happy to work with Chairman Hoppe to schedule the hearing on HF 72 to accommodate your schedule 2463 - 76th St E. Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota 55076 (651) 451-3857 Siete Otico Busing, 100 Rev. Dr Martin Luther King Jt. Biv, St, Paul, Minnosots 65155-1208 1651) 296-4160 FAX (651) 296-4168. TTY (651) 296-0696. EFPlease let me know when your schedule would allow you to testify before the Commerce ‘Committee. I thank you for your time and your service to our great state Very truly yours, joe Atkins State Representative DFI Lead, House Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee CC: Rep. Joe Hoppe, Chair, House Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee Rep. Mike Beard, Chief Author, HF 72