Next Gen Act changes approved

A bipartisan law passed in 2007 that seeks to reduce carbon emissions is set on the path to being repealed.

The House Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee is the next stop for a bill that would repeal a portion of the Next Generation Energy Act and allow Minnesota utilities to produce or purchase new coal-generated electricity.

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Beard (R-Shakopee), HF72 was approved 11-6 by the House Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee Feb. 1.

Members debated the merits of reopening the door to coal-generated electricity.

“It seems that repeal is reform. Why not mend it rather than end it,” asked Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL-South St. Paul).

Rep. Andrew Falk (DFL-Murdock) said he didn’t see the need to change current law because it allows the Public Utilities Commission to make exceptions. Beard said he regrettably voted for the Next Generation Energy Act because he was told there were such “off-ramps,” but instead the law became nebulous as written.

“Were asking (the PUC) to make some really big calls on behalf of the state. I would submit to you that that is our job,” Beard said.

Emissions of mercury from coal plants also rose to the surface.

Rep. Duane Quam (R-Byron) said new generation coal plants have reduced mercury emissions considerably. He compared regulated coal plants’ mercury emissions to CFL light bulbs sold to consumers that may end up in landfills or harm the environment and people if the bulb accidentally breaks.

Sen. Julie Rosen (R-Fairmont) sponsors a companion, SF86. It awaits action by the Senate Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee.