A recent editorial in the Minnesota Daily criticized my efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, the editorial missed a few key points that are critical to the debate.

First, real action on reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has consistently been delayed because of the inability to garner a broad consensus from the various stakeholders.

Second, I am 100 percent committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota and across the nation.

Given these facts, during the past few months I have been working on a plan capable of garnering support on both sides of the aisle – one that significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions without crippling the economy.

If we are truly serious about reducing carbon dioxide emissions, we also need to put all clean energy tools on the table, including clean-coal technology and nuclear power.

As a whole, we must increase the use of clean energy sources by our energy providers, which is why I have asked the Energy Information Agency to report back to me on the impact of requiring a 10 percent clean energy portfolio standard by 2015 and 20 percent standard by 2025.

When the EIA analysis is finished, I look forward to sharing the results with Minnesota stakeholders on all sides of this issue and using those recommendations to inform the drafting of prospective legislation.

Let me be clear: My proposal is still a work in progress, as this is admittedly a very complex matter.

At the same time, this is an issue that cannot be ignored any longer. We owe it to future generations to find a workable solution to this problem.

I would encourage those with an interest in this matter to call my office at 651-645-0323 with their ideas regarding this critically important issue.

Norm Coleman is a U.S. Senator. Please send comments to [email protected].