Minnesota Decides It’s Ok To Get Electricity From Coal Again

The state still wont’ allow coal-fired electricity to be produced within its borders, but the state legislature has decided that coal-fired electricity can be imported from other states. Namely, North Dakota, which had been threatening legal action if Minnesota cut off imports of coal power.

ST. PAUL — No coal-fired power plants could be built in Minnesota, but electric cooperatives could buy from coal plants in other states under a bill Minnesota representatives approved 76-54 today.

It is a watered-down version of a bill senators passed earlier this year that would lift an existing prohibition against any new electricity produced by coal.

Rep. Mike Beard, R-Shakopee, said he changed the bill in an attempt to satisfy some of Gov. Mark Dayton’s concerns. As a byproduct to allowing Minnesota to buy coal-produced electricity from other states, North Dakota might drop plans to sue Minnesota.

This is a major defeat for environmentalists, and a recognition of the simple realities of energy markets. Coal, whether we like it or not, is the cheapest form of electricity available in this region. Any policy or regulation which inhibits the flow of coal power is only going to drive energy prices higher, which is something Minnesota was starting to see before this policy was even fully implemented.

Kudos to the Minnesota legislature for rolling back this bit of “green” foolishness, even if it’s not a full repeal.

http://sayanythingblog.com/entry/minnesota-decides-its-ok-to-get-electricity-from-coal-again/