Renewable energy mandates sought for cities  North Dakota State
Roundup  Published July 1, 2006  |  July 2006 issue  Rising
prices for oil and other traditional forms of energy have
brought renewable energy back into vogue. Many states have
mandated greater use of renewable energy, or are considering
doing so. Now, advocates are hoping to convince two of North
Dakota's biggest cities to do likewise, for the benefit of both
the environment and the state's economy.  Petitions in Fargo and
Grand Forks—spearheaded by different groups—seek to put measures
on the local November election ballots asking residents to
approve a requirement that at least 20 percent of each city's
energy usage be from renewable sources by 2020, specifically
wind, but also solar and other forms. That figure would rise to
30 percent a decade later. The measures also require that half
of the renewable energy come from in-state providers.  Previous
studies of wind patterns have shown the state has significant
potential to generate wind power