Democrat “Blackout Bill” raises energy costs, lowers reliability

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.

“Energy must always be two things: reliable and affordable, and the Democrats’ extreme Blackout Bill ensures the complete opposite, making energy expensive and unreliable,” said Senator Nathan Wesenberg (R-Little Falls). “If we are serious about attaining 100% carbon-free energy, we must utilize all tools at our disposal, including nuclear and natural gas, both of which are notably absent from this bill. This radical proposal is also constraining local municipals and co-ops, and will drastically increase the cost of utilities for families across the state. This bill is mandating an unattainable goal at the expense of Minnesotans.”

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 a party-line vote.