On Thursday, Senate Democrats once again forced through extreme hyper-partisan language on a party line vote. SF-4, known as the “Blackout Bill,” is the Democrats’ extreme energy bill that mandates all electric production in the state of Minnesota to be 100% carbon-free by 2040. The legislation closes our state to coal and natural gas and mandates the shift to renewable energy sources of solar, wind, hydroelectric, hydrogen, and biomass. Most notably, the bill fails to consider nuclear energy. The United States Department of Energy categorizes nuclear energy as “clean and sustainable,” because it protects air quality, the land footprint is small, and it produces minimal waste.

“Any legislation that seeks to alter Minnesota’s energy plan must ensure that energy remain reliable and affordable. Unfortunately, the Blackout Bill we heard today does the opposite—it makes energy more expensive, less reliable, and puts our state at risk for rolling blackouts,” said Senator Michael Kreun (R-Blaine). “Addressing our state’s energy requires an all-of-the-above approach that considers all clean energy options, such as nuclear and natural gas—this bill does neither. Instead, the legislation we are left with imposes mandates on our municipals and co-ops, increases the costs of utilities for consumers, and imposes an unattainable goal for our state. 100% clean energy is a noble goal that requires a more comprehensive and bipartisan approach than this bill offers.”

As an alternative,Senate Republicans presented the A+ Energy Plan, which instead focuses on reliable, affordable, and consistent energy. The plan would end the ban on nuclear power construction in Minnesota, and would allow for coal and natural gas to be used when demand is higher than average.

Highlights of the Republican A+ Energy Plan include:  

• Allowing nuclear construction in the state  
• Authorizing hydroelectric power to count as a renewable energy  
• Affordable renewable natural gas to continue to reduce emissions  
• Always On natural gas and coal for reliability and affordability  
• All-of-the-Above strategy to mix solar, wind, hydroelectric, hydrogen, and biomass with our current energy sources

During debate, Senate Republicans offered numerous amendments. Democrats were unwilling to compromise, instead voting down every amendment on repeated party-line votes.