Proposal No. 2 - Proposal to Approve Resolution Concerning Xcel Energy's Corporate Practices
WHEREAS Xcel Energy "has several agreements to purchase electricity from
the Manitoba Hydro -Electric Board (MH)" which "represents about 17
percent of MH's system capacity and account for approximately 10 percent of
NSP's 2000 electric system capability" (Northern States Power Company Annual
Report, 1999, p. 44); and
WHEREAS Xcel Energy has been required by law to give preference to renewable resources in meeting its needs for power supply, Manitoba Hydro comprises the largest component of Xcel Energy's renewables portfolio, and Xcel Energy regards Manitoba Hydro as a future option and is negotiating additional purchase agreements; and
WHEREAS a portion of Manitoba
Hydro's electricity supply is generated from non-renewable fossil fuel, including
a coal plant without scrubbers; and
(Editor's note: We suggest this is a mischaracterization. Manitoba Hydro
announced in their 2001 annual report a $30 million plan to convert their Selkirk
station from coal to natural gas. For information on facilities, thermal stations,
and annual reports, see the Manitoba
Hydro website.)
WHEREAS the traditional
lands and burial grounds of Pimicikamak Cree Nation and other indigenous peoples
have been flooded or in other ways rendered inaccessible; means of livelihood
have been damaged and food supplies poisoned as a result of Manitoba Hydro's
power production; and
(Editor's note: We suggest
this is inflammatory. See the "Informed Decision" section of this
website to learn about the impacts of Hydro's Mega Projects of the 1960's and
1970's and how they can be addressed.)
WHEREAS concerns about the
adverse environmental, socioeconomic and Human rights impacts upon Pimicikamak
Cree Nation and other indigenous Peoples from Manitoba Hydro's electricity production
are being raised at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission; in legislation
filed in the Minnesota state legislature; and by shareholders at Xcel Energy's
first annual meeting; and
(Editor's note. We suggest that raising concerns is not the same as having
concerns recognized. See the "Tataskweyak Cree Position" article
within the "Articles" section of this website. That paper describes,
in part, the findings of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, and the
fact that Pimicikamak does not speak for Split Lake Cree (Tataskweyak).)
WHEREAS the nature of its power supply has major implications for Xcel Energy in both today's regulated environment and in a newly restructured electric industry; and
WHEREAS it is the opinion
of the proponents of this resolution that Xcel Energy's power purchases from
Manitoba Hydro make our Company vulnerable to charges of environmental racism;
(Editor's Note: We reject this characterization in light of Mantoba's Hydro's
willingness to change corporate policy to address aboriginal interests. See
point III within the "Support" section of this website.)
THEREFORE be it resolved that:
The shareholders of Xcel
Energy recommend to the board of directors that it develop and implement policies
and practices requiring that our company obtain power supplies from increased
efficiencies and renewable resources that do not have undue adverse environmental,
socioeconomic and human rights impacts upon Pimicikamak Cree Nation and other
indigenous peoples.