On Thursday, legislation designed to modernize Minnesota’s energy resources by prioritizing renewable energy cleared its first committee. The legislation, known as ‘Clean Energy First’, passed the Minnesota Senate Energy and Utilities Finance and Policy Committee with bipartisan support.

“According to available data, most fossil fuel-powered plants will be retired or replaced in the next two decades. That represents more than 40 percent of Minnesota’s current energy capacity, which means we must plan for our energy future right now,” said Senator David Senjem (R-Rochester), the bill’s chief author. “’Clean Energy First’ is really a win-win for Minnesotans. It will mean the power we consume every single day will come from the cleanest available technologies while still prioritizing affordability and reliability – particularly in our harsh climate.”

The ‘Clean Energy First’ legislation would direct the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to consider renewable energy sources when evaluating a utility’s request for additional power generation or a utility’s long-range plan for future energy needs. In making its decision, the PUC would be tasked with determining if the energy is in the public interest by adjudicating whether the energy is adequately reliable and affordable for ratepayers. The legislation would classify nuclear, solar, wind, hydropower, carbon sequestration, and municipal solid waste as clean technologies.

“Major utilities like Xcel Energy are already heading in the direction of clean energy by making long-term plans to phase out coal. This is not another government mandate; rather, this is an ‘all-of-the-above’ approach that will make Minnesota a leader in the clean energy sector – promising jobs and innovation for decades to come. Technology and innovation will continue to drive our energy sector and will provide a reliable energy grid for all Minnesotans over the long term. This is really the future,” said Senator Senjem.

The legislation currently awaits a hearing by the Senate Finance Committee.

Senator David Senjem, of Rochester, represents Dodge and Olmsted counties in the Minnesota Senate. He serves as chair of the Senate Capital Investment Committee and is a former majority leader and minority leader.