Gov. Vilsack promotes renewable energy

[Ron Burgundy]

AP - Gov. Vilsack promotes renewable energy

By CATHERINE TSAI, Associated Press Writer 8 minutes ago

Renewable energy has the potential to unite the country, reinvent the economy and make the country more secure, Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, a 2008 presidential candidate, said Thursday.

After a speech at the University of Colorado School of Law, Vilsack said the issue will be one of the pillars of his campaign platform. He pointed to his state's leading the country in corn-based ethanol and soy-based biodiesel production.

"I think I'm the one person in this race who's doing something about it," he said. "There are a lot of people talking about it, but we've actually done something to promote renewable fuel."

The two-term governor is the first Democrat to file for the presidency, although a number of better-known candidates are presumed to be running. Vilsack planned a multistate tour beginning Nov. 30 to formally announce his bid.

He's already opened a campaign office in Des Moines, Iowa, and has a Web site and online profiles on MySpace, Facebook and YouTube.

In his speech, Vilsack called for a greater commitment to conservation, enhancing commitments to renewable energy and making it easier for consumers to buy renewable energy.

He said that would allow the U.S. to be energy-secure, to retain its moral leadership in the world and to generate a healthier economy with better-paid, high-skill jobs.

He acknowledged the auto industry's concern about raising fuel efficiency standards and said his goal would be to ask the automakers what needs to be done to help them meet tougher standards.

"There are times when national interests are more important than parochial interests," he said.