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 Bill Weber (R-Luverne).
Highlights of the 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
“I am all for the adoption of renewable, carbon-free energy,” said Senator Weber, “And in fact, our community of Senate District 21 is home to the most wind towers of any Senate District in Minnesota. However, the Democrats’ Blackout Bill leaves many significant forms of energy generation, like nuclear and natural gas, off the table. If Minnesota is to ensure a reliable and affordable energy future, there must be room for a vast array of energy that will keep our grid stable.”
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, hydroelectric, hydrogen, and biomass.
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.