Legislative Energy Commission bill passed

published 4/30/2008

The Legislative Electric Energy Task Force would be abolished and reorganized as the Legislative Energy Commission under a bill passed 106-24 by the House.

HF3729, sponsored by Rep. Bill Hilty (DFL-Finlayson), would also expand the role of the group to include energy issues beyond just electric generation. The bill now goes to the Senate, where Sen. Yvonne Prettner Solon (DFL-Duluth) is the sponsor.

"Energy issues go well beyond the focus of the task force as it's currently structured, which is focused entirely on the generation of electricity," said Hilty. He added that the organization, membership and funding mechanism for the commission would all be identical to that of the task force.

Among the various duties of the commission would be to:
• evaluate the state's energy policies for environmental and economic sustainability;
• monitor the state's progress in meeting its renewable energy objectives;
• evaluate progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions;
• review and recommend proposed energy legislation; and
• take public testimony on energy issues.

Rep. Mark Olson (IR-Big Lake) successfully offered an amendment that would ensure that the commission evaluates "new and existing technologies for nuclear power" as part of its general duties.

- Nick Busse