Michael Noble, Minnesotans for an Energy-Efficient Economy
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Michael Noble is the executive director of Minnesotans for an Energy-Efficient Economy, a Minnesota coalition that works to improve the environment and the economy through increased efficiency in energy and land use, and increased reliance on home-grown renewable energy. The coalition partners conduct a coordinated program of research, public education campaigns, and citizen involvement in public decisions. |
Thursday, 30 Mar 2000
ST. PAUL, Minn.
Four great events today couldn't have been more different:- In a private breakfast with U.S. Senate candidates from three parties, I was the bad cop and Denis Hayes was the good cop. Like citizens in general, environmental leaders are exasperated with politicians who follow instead of lead. Denis predicted that one day, no one knows when, a news event will occur that will snap the issue of global warming into focus -- spurring a media feeding frenzy on the order of Elian or JonBenet -- and politicians on the wrong side of the issue will be swept into history.
- From there, we went to a solar-powered grade school where Denis and I gave short talks, then watched students clamber in and around a Honda Insight.
- Then we had an editorial board meeting with a newspaper committed to a new vision for a clean energy future that will help stabilize the climate. Excellent discussions covered the role of China, the dissolution of the corporate membership of the Global Climate Coalition (GCC), the interface of high-technology information systems and energy systems, and more.
- Lastly, before we put Denis on a plane, he kicked off an Energy Summit for 60 organizers, activists, and citizens, positioning our movement for future campaigns. Many new groups representing constituencies that we need are now at the table. All Huff of AARP announced a goal of making the organization's mission more intergenerational. Citizen extraordinaire Elaine Johnson announced a grant to work with religious congregations on the issue of global warming. And the American Lung Association is finally on board.
Denis, Dee Long, and I pose in front of a Honda Insight.
We are rocking!
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