Calling climate change an “existential threat,” Gov. Tim Walz (DFL) announced plans on Monday for Minnesota to generate 100 percent of its electricity from carbon-free sources by 2050. “We must take immediate action. If Washington won’t lead, Minnesota will. That is why I am proud to announce a set of policy proposals that will lead Minnesota to 100% clean energy in the state’s electricity sector by 2050,” he said.
Gov. Walz wants Minnesota to expand the work that had already started in 2007, when the Minnesota’s Next Generation Energy Act was signed by former Gov. Tim Pawlenty, targeting 25 percent renewable energy for the state by 2025. That legislative mandate was already achieved by the end of 2017, and now Walz has his sights set on loftier ambitions by making Minnesota only the third state (after California and Hawaii) to aim for 100 percent clean energy as part of the continued fight against climate change.
The set of policy proposals, called “One Minnesota Path to Clean Energy,” has three parts: 100 Percent Clean Energy by 2050, Clean Energy First and Energy Optimization. According to the plan, it allows each electric utility in the state to choose the pace at which it moves from coal toward carbon-free sources like nuclear, solar or wind. The proposal would bring Minnesota’s energy policy to be in line with California and Hawaii, both of which have goals of carbon-free electricity by 2050 or earlier. Last year, renewable energy passed nuclear to become Minnesota’s second-largest source for electricity as coal accounted for nearly 40 percent of the state’s electricity generation at the time.
Walz’s proposal also requires a ‘clean energy first provision,’ which is a regulatory policy that would require that whenever a utility proposes to replace or add new power generation, it must prioritize energy efficiency and clean energy resources over fossil fuels. This policy would strengthen the existing renewable energy preference in Minnesota law and it would allow for fossil fuel-based power “only if needed to ensure reliable, affordable electricity.” The proposal also expands the conservation improvement program to raise efficiency standards for investor-owned electric utilities and help for low-income households to make their homes more energy-efficient.
GOP Response:
Sen. Dave Osmek, Chairman of the Senate Energy and Utilities Finance and Policy Committee issued the following statement concerning Governor Tim Walz’s proposal to mandate 100 percent clean energy in Minnesota by 2050:
“While Governor Walz’s 100 percent clean energy proposal is a laudable goal, it ignores the stark reality that we will always have a need for traditional energy generation methods, which includes carbon-based options. During the recent polar vortex, when Minnesota’s wind turbines ceased to operate at 22 degrees below zero, millions of families across our state would have been left without power had it not been for traditional energy sources. For the safety of every Minnesotan, we must continue to have an “all-of-the-above” approach to energy, if for no other reason than as a back up in emergency situations.
Further, as we approach 40 percent in renewable energy generation, our current power grid will need substantial and costly transmission upgrades. A push to 100 percent will cause energy prices to skyrocket in our state, put a strain on the budgets of every Minnesota family, and severely impact our business community. I look forward to reviewing the details of the governor’s proposal and I am encouraged he has recognized the importance of nuclear in our overall energy plan.”
Rep. Chris Swedzinski, who is the Republican Lead on the House Energy and Climate Finance and Policy Division, issued the following statement in response to the proposal:
“Governor Walz’s extreme energy proposals would cause Minnesotans’ energy bills to skyrocket, force the closure of reliable and cost-effective power plants, and puts Minnesota all-in on technology that simply cannot provide the reliable power you need to keep the lights on and heat your home in the winter. The recent cold-snap showed how important it is to have an energy grid that is reliable and won’t falter even during the worst polar vortexes—betting on unproven technology will be expensive and risky for the state.
The bill seems to be on a fast track in the DFL-controlled House of Representatives as it has been scheduled for next Tuesday morning at 9:45 a.m. in the Energy and Climate Finance and Policy Committee. Earlier this session, that committee heard House File 700, which included an increase in the Renewable Energy Standard to 80% by 2030 and the 100% carbon free mandate by 2050.
Media Links:
Watch the entire press conference here: https://www.facebook.com/GovTimWalz/videos/2390339940998850/
Text of Bill- House File 1956: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1956&ssn=0&y=2019