In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature passed a landmark piece of public policy that put Minnesota on a path to achieving 100% of our electricity from carbon-free sources by 2040. The 100% standard is now the foundation of Minnesota’s state energy policy and is a key driver of economic investments in our state while providing reasonable certainty for Minnesotans, utilities, and energy stakeholders on the direction of Minnesota’s energy future.
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The Minnesota Senate is now considering its omnibus budget bill, Senate File 2393. The bill includes a provision that would exempt electricity generated from significant use of biodiesel fuel and wood waste from the 100% standard’s carbon-free requirements. While biodiesel fuel has beneficial uses, it is not carbon-free. Moreover, the 100% law was purposefully designed with a technology-neutral approach to compliance, which ensures the most fair and rigorous approach.
For the Legislature to predetermine that any particular technology should be treated in a favorable way undermines both the spirit and long-term integrity of Minnesota’s signature clean energy policy accomplishment.
Fresh Energy has been working hard at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to ensure that Minnesota’s 100% standard is implemented as it was designed. In order for this process to be successful, it is critical that we draw a clear line that legislators should not pre-determine winners and losers. Doing so as part of this year’s omnibus energy bill would set an unfortunate precedent, making it more likely that industry groups will attempt to bypass the regulatory process by going to the Legislature.
Can you help out today? Our state senators need to hear from constituents that the integrity of Minnesota’s 100% standard must be protected.
