While “laudable goal, it ignores reality”

Senator David Osmek (R-Mound), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Utilities, issued the following statement concerning Governor Tim Walz’s proposal to mandate 100 percent clean energy in Minnesota by 2050:

“While Governor Walz’s 100 percent clean energy proposal is a laudable goal, it ignores the stark reality that we will always have a need for traditional energy generation methods, which includes carbon-based options. During the recent polar vortex, when Minnesota’s wind turbines ceased to operate at 22 degrees below zero, millions of families across our state would have been left without power had it not been for traditional energy sources. For the safety of every Minnesotan, we must continue to have an “all-of-the-above” approach to energy, if for no other reason than as a back-up in emergency situations.

Further, as we approach 40 percent in renewable energy generation, our current power grid will need substantial and costly transmission upgrades. A push to 100 percent will cause energy prices to skyrocket in our state, put a strain on the budgets of every Minnesota family, and severely impact our business community.  I look forward to reviewing the details of the governor’s proposal and I am encouraged he has recognized the importance of nuclear in our overall energy plan.”