Friends and neighbors –
It was a dark day in Minnesota on February 2. Literally.
Senate Democrats rushed an extreme, risky, and divisive energy Blackout bill through the Senate. It’s called the Blackout bill for a reason – it includes only unreliable alternative energy sources, with no natural gas or nuclear energy. If we ever experience severe weather in Minnesota, our entire regional grid will be put in jeopardy due to the lack of dependable energy sources.
Experts also say it will significantly increase the cost that Minnesotans pay on their monthly energy bills.
I also wanted to draw your attention to news out of North Dakota, where that state’s industrial commission is moving quickly to sue Minnesota over the Minnesota Blackout Bill. Republicans warned this would happen before the bill passed. We even offered an amendment to avoid it, but Democrats ignored those warnings and voted down our amendment on a party-line vote. The lawsuit was entirely avoidable, but now Minnesota taxpayers will be footing the bill for Democrat recklessness.
It’s a bad and dangerous idea, through and through.
You can watch my closing comments on the bill here.
A better energy future – the A+ Energy Plan
The Democrats’ Blackout bill disaster isn’t necessary. My Senate Republican colleagues and I recently rolled out an alternative plan, called the A+ Energy Plan.
Our plan focuses on delivering dependable and affordable energy that is always available by utilizing a blend of energy sources like nuclear, renewable gas, and hydroelectric power. If we want to have a serious conversation about our energy future, we need to consider all the resources that are available to us. The Republican “all of the above” approach guarantees a steady supply of energy, making it the best solution for satisfying Minnesotans’ energy needs in all conditions.
It’s a much, much better option than their Blackout bill.
Contact me
I love hearing your feedback. If you have any questions or comments about the issues we are working on, please contact me anytime. My email is sen.glenn.gruenhagen@senate.mn, or you can call me at 651-296-4131.
Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook: https://www.fb.com/SenatorGlennGruenhagen.
It is a privilege to serve you.