Coal Moratorium Repeal

HF72/SF86, also known as the Coal Moratorium Repeal bill, passed out of the House, as amended, on a 76-54 vote. House author Rep. Mike Beard (R-Shakopee) amended the bill in the hopes the Governor will sign it into law. The bill as amended will now allow Minnesota utilities to import 2,500 megawatts from coal plants outside of Minnesota. However, the ban on building new coal fired plants in Minnesota remains intact. During concluding remarks Rep. Andrew Falk (DFL-Murdock) read a letter dated Mar. 11 from former Vice President Al Gore, who opposed the bill, saying that it takes the state a “step backward” and keeps Minnesota on a path to a “dirty energy economy.” Rep. Joe McDonald (R-Delano) responded by quoting President Obama from a Feb. 3, 2010, speech when he lauded new carbon capture and storage methods for coal fired electricity production. The bill now goes back to the Senate for its consideration of the House amendment.