The 90th Minnesota Legislature officially convened in January as legislators were sworn-in and celebrated the opening of the newly-restored State Capitol. The renovations were so comprehensive – long time legislators were getting lost throughout the tunnel between buildings.
Representative Kurt Daudt was elected to continue serving as Speaker and Senator Paul Gazelka began his tenure as Majority Leader.
As legislators, staff, and Capitol visitors begin to navigate their way around the renovated Capitol. A few hundred bills were introduced in the Minnesota Legislature, including Rep. Jim Newberger’s bill to authorize a combined cycle natural gas plant in Becker.
Healthcare and taxes will continue to dominate the discussion in both the Senate and the House. Other topics related to energy that will be covered this session:
- Renewable development fund: The renewable development fund is proposed to be renamed the Energy Fund. The fund, paid for by Xcel Energy, is used for wind, solar, and hydro projects. The legislation also eliminates the incentives for the ‘Made in Minnesota’ solar projects.
- Bonding: Governor Dayton introduced a $1.5 billion bonding bill the first week of session. Expect the House and Senate to introduce bonding bills later in the session.
- Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Reform: Several plans for reform of the PUC will be introduced this year. Rep. Dan Fabian has a proposal to change how the PUC members are selected. His bipartisan plan (HF 06) would create a statewide election for each commission member. Today, each member is appointed by the Governor.
The Lignite Energy Council and Coalition for a Secure Energy Future will also be working with Senate and House staff this session to provide updates on two critical issues. Technologists and engineers will be presenting information on the ongoing research and development for retrofit carbon capture and storage (CCS) as well as the new developments with the Allam Cycle. These projects are important to the future of Minnesota’s energy suppliers as North Dakota and Minnesota continue a joint relationship supporting a diverse energy mix for electricity generation.