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Bismarck, N.D. (AP) Democratic governor candidate Tim Mathern says North Dakota should be producing at least 10,000 megawatts of wind power by the year 2020.

Mathern says incumbent Republican Gov. John Hoeven hasn't been ambitious enough in setting North Dakota's energy production goals.

Hoeven appointed a commission to study North Dakota's energy potential, and it has set a goal of 1,500 megawatts of wind energy generation in the next 12 years.

North Dakota now generates about 345 megawatts of wind energy, although other projects are in the works.

Mathern also is proposing a new state office of renewable power.

He says putting someone in charge of promoting the industry would help it develop more quickly.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 08-20-08 1056CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list