The proposed Big Stone II coal-fired power plant lost its lead partner last Friday. Otter Tail Power Company announced that it was withdrawing both as a participant and the lead developer in the project citing the economic downturn and the uncertainty of future environmental regulation.

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Last night, the Elk River City Council came to the consensus that the municipal utility should not become a part owner of the proposed Big Stone II coal-fired power plant near Milbank, SD. The city council was acting on a recommendation from the municipal utility not to invest into the facility, largely due to the many unknown financial risks associated with the plant, including pending carbon legislation.  The city council and municipal utility felt that there was too much risk associated with the plant to justify investing ratepayers' money. Elk River joins Great River Energy and the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency as entities who have opted not to invest in Big Stone II.

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In a special meeting last night, Elk River's Utility Commission voted unanimously last night to recommend NOT investing in the new Big Stone II coal plant.  Kudos to the commission for protection the ratepayers of Elk River and rejecting a new coal plant that would pollute for another 50 years!  The commission's recommendation will be passed on to the city council for a final vote on Monday, July 13. If voted down then, Elk River would join Great River Energy and the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency in deciding not to invest in this new coal plant. Stay posted to this blog for the latest developments in the Big Stone II project.

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After their meeting on June 29, the Elk River City Council decided to table a vote on investment in Big Stone II until their meeting on July 13 (for more information about this important vote read our action alert). We have just learned that the Elk River Utilities Commission has called a special meeting tomorrow (July 8) at 4:00PM at the Elk River Utilities Office in the Lowertown Conference Room. The Commission is going to pass a recommendation for or against investment in Big Stone II to the city council for a vote at their meeting on July 13. 

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