The next legislative session will begin on February 11, 2020. Over the next eight months, there will be a lot of focus by energy committee members in both bodies to figure out a way to pass energy policy and finance provisions next session. There will certainly be a renewed partisan push for the 100% carbon free and clean energy first legislation from the House of Representatives and the Governor’s office.

In the meantime, there is likely to be a lot of focus on energy policy proposals in a joint interim committee called the Legislative Energy Commission. The commission was created in 2008 by the Minnesota Legislature to evaluate the energy policies of the state, assessing the impact on the future of the environment and the economy. Under state law, the commission also monitors the state’s progress in achieving goals to develop renewable sources of electric energy; evaluates progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions; reviews and recommends proposed energy legislation and takes public testimony on energy issues. Minnesota Statutes 3.8851

While this interim committee can meet and take public testimony, they cannot vote on legislation. What will occur is there will be a policy discussion where the committee will seek to gain a deeper understanding of how energy works in Minnesota from industry experts in order to make educated policy recommendations for next session.