ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to capture the drama, politics, and intensity which often accompanies the development and implementation of conservation programs. On Wednesday evening, April 25, 1984 several hundred people crowded into the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission hearing room. Millions of dollars were at stake as well as the future direction of conservation and renewable energy programs in Minnesota. People came to the hearing from all over Minnesota: neighborhood people from the Twin Cities, unemployed iron ore workers from the Iron Range, small energy business people, farmers, low and moderate income people, and small town officials. The catalyst for bringing together this constituency was the initiation of an innovative approach to energy policy which involves extensive citizen involvement in determining and implementing energy programs at the community level. Paul Wellstone had a new job as special assistant to the Governor on energy policy, with responsibility for developing a Community Energy Program.
