mandatory standards for renewable energy content, and that less than 1% of Xcel's existing energy supply will qualify under the Renewable Energy Objectives established by 2001 Minnesota law (Statutes 216B.1691).

WHEREAS Xcel's 12 state service territory contains abundant biomass resources and the best wind energy potential in North America ("Repowering the Midwest", Environmental Law and Policy Center of the Midwest, Chicago, 2001).

WHEREAS the Minnesota Department of Commerce reports that wind "is the fastest growing energy production method in the world, renewable or otherwise, having a overall growth rate in 1999 of 36%." (Energy, Policy & Conservation Report 2000, p. 57).

WHEREAS Xcel purchases electricity from Manitoba Hydro which accounts for approximately 4 percent of Xcel's 2000 energy portfolio (Xcel Energy Annual Report, 2000, p. 9).

WHEREAS Xcel regards Manitoba Hydro as a future energy option and is negotiating additional purchasing contracts.

WHEREAS hydropower can be a renewable source of energy, mega-projects such as those of Manitoba Hydro cause extensive ecological and social destruction, and do not qualify under the Renewable Energy Objectives and Portfolio Standards adopted in Minnesota and several other states.

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.

WHEREAS Manitoba Hydro faces over 100 legal claims alleging adverse effects and claiming damages (Northern Flood Agreement Arbitrator's Office, Winnipeg, Canada), and a lawsuit seeking $100 million in damages for contaminated drinking water (Winnipeg Free Press, 1/23/01).

WHEREAS concerns about the adverse environmental, socioeconomic and human rights impacts upon Pimicikamak Cree Nation and other indigenous peoples stemming from Manitoba Hydro's electricity production are being raised at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, in legislation filed in the Minnesota state legislature, by religious and political leaders, human rights and environmental organizations, the media and consumers.

WHEREAS a 1999 Canadian Interfaith Church Inquiry into northern hydro development concluded that the situation faced by the Pimicikamak Cree Nation and other indigenous peoples is an "ecological and moral catastrophe."

WHEREAS it is the opinion of the proponents of this resolution that Xcel's continued reliance on power purchases from Manitoba Hydro make our company increasingly vulnerable to charges of environmental racism, potentially costly litigation and a negative public image - all of which can jeopardize long-term shareholder value.

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 future 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.