Sen. David Senjem | Facebook
Sen. David Senjem | Facebook
Sen. David Senjem said Minnesota needs to plan now for its energy future.
“According to available data, most fossil fuel-powered plants will be retired or replaced in the next two decades. That represents more than 40 percent of Minnesota’s current energy capacity," Senjem said.
The state moved a step closer to readiness when its Clean Energy First Legislation passed the Minnesota Senate Energy and Utilities Finance and Policy Committee. The legislation is awaiting a hearing from the Senate Finance Committee.
Municipal solid waste, carbon sequestration, hydropower, wind, nuclear and solar would be classified as clean technologies under the legislation, according to the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus.
It would also mean renewable energy sources will be looked at as viable options by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) when considering a utility’s request for more power generation. The PUC would then have to determine if the energy would be reliable and affordable for customers.
Senjem said the legislation is not another government mandate, but is an “all-of-the-above” scenario that will make the state a leader in the clean energy sector.
The legislation has bipartisan support.
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