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.

“It’s so important that we do all we can to move towards a carbon-free future, but we cannot do that unless we’re using all resources available, and doing so in a way that keeps costs down for Minnesota families,” said Senator Karin Housley (R-Stillwater). “Minnesotans are already struggling with increased costs at every corner, the last thing they need is a drastic increase in their utility bills. 100% carbon-free is a worthy goal, unfortunately this bill sets forward an unattainable plan that neglects nuclear energy, which is the cleanest form of energy production we have. This bill will lead to higher utility costs, less reliable energy, and rolling blackouts. Clean energy is important, and it will require an all-of-the-above approach so that we can ensure energy remains reliable and affordable for all.”

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.