On Thursday, Feb. 2, Senate Republicans put forth their A+ Energy Plan as the foundation for reliable, affordable, and “always on” energy planning for the state, said Senator Cal Bahr (R-East Bethel).
Highlights of the A+ Energy Plan include:
- Allowing nuclear construction in the state
- Authorizing hydroelectric power and nuclear 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
“Natural industry adoption, not a forced government mandate, should lead the carbon-free energy movement,” said Senator Bahr, “The Democrats’ Blackout Bill, however, will require the entirety of our electricity to be from zero-carbon sources by 2040–in only 17 years. Minnesota already faces a dire energy outlook, with our state’s subzero temperatures straining our grid to its maximum capacity. And every time we are -20 degrees, electric suppliers ask users to curtail usage to keep the grid functional. The Democrats’ mandate will only make this outlook more unreliable and cause Minnesota families to experience even more expensive utility bills.”
The A+ Energy Plan would end the ban on nuclear power construction in Minnesota and open a path for this emission-free energy source to power Minnesota homes and businesses. It would also allow coal and natural gas, including renewable natural gas, as a reliable and affordable option for energy companies to use, especially when demand is high.
This can be contrasted with the Democrats’ 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040 mandate, fittingly known as the Blackout Bill, that passed out of the Senate on party-line votes. This legislation closes off our state to coal and natural gas and mandates the shift to renewable energy sources of solar, wind, small hydroelectric, hydrogen, and biomass. And as a result, energy experts estimate that this mandate will cause Minnesota families to see their electric bills increase by an average of nearly $1,650 per year.
Senate Republicans offered a number of amendments during the vigorous debate on the floor. Democrats, however, were unwilling to vote for any amendment and chose to pass an extreme energy policy that will raise costs, reduce reliability, and is in fact dangerous.