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State Representative Rick Hansen
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-6828
For more information contact: Ted Modrich 651-296-5809
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House Moves Minnesota Backwards on Clean Energy
St. Paul, Minnesota – The House of Representatives took a step backwards today in Minnesota's leadership on developing homegrown, clean energy with the passage of a bill that repeals a limit on new electricity generated from coal plants. The bill walks back nation leading, bipartisan reforms passed in 2007 as part of the Next Generation Energy Act signed into law by Governor Tim Pawlenty. DFL representatives offered several amendments that recognized the environmental and health impacts of increasing pollution emitting coal plants, but Republicans voted each down.
“Sound science tells us that climate change will have a profound impact on Minnesota’s next generation. Coal power is the wrong way to fuel our future," said Knuth. “Turning back the clock to build new coal plants puts Minnesota’s economic and environmental future at risk.”
Along with serious environmental and health concerns, the bill comes with a significant price tag for ratepayers. Coal is one the most expensive forms of electricity, with the cost for consumers doubling from 2001 to 2008. State Rep. Bill Hilty (DFL – Finlayson) said the bill is not in the best interest of Minnesota ratepayers.
“This bill is trying to take us back to an inefficient and expensive energy,” said Hilty. “Instead, we should look to the future and make Minnesota a nation leader in clean energy. That is the best to reduce long term energy costs for Minnesotans.”
Legislators argued that many job providers in Minnesota are already working to build renewable energy infrastructure that provides jobs and economic investment in Minnesota. Repealing the coal moratorium would likely send these innovators to other states.
“Repealing the coal moratorium greatly diminishes Minnesota’s standing as a national leader in renewable energy,” Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL - South St. Paul) said. “This bill moves our state backward, away from homegrown Minnesota energy produced by Minnesota workers. Investing in renewable energy is the key to reversing climate change and creating thousands of jobs in our 21st century economy.”
News Items
- House Passes Environment, Natural Resources, & Agriculture Conference Committee Report - (Posted: May 19 2013 12:00AM)
- Rep. Hansen: Legacy Bill Good For Environment, Cultural Institutions - (Posted: May 13 2013 12:00AM)
- House Passes Rep. Hansen's Sick Time Leave Legislation - (Posted: May 21 2013 11:51AM)
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