More about the 100% bill:

Source MNIPL newsletter

This bill is a key element in the Indigenous Rights and Climate Justice 2023 legislative platform that MNIPL is supporting along with many partners. The bill

Commits utilities to provide their MN customers with carbon-free electricity by 2040.

• States that carbon-free electricity can be produced by various sources including solar, wind, hydroelectric, and nuclear power.

• Boosts Minnesota’s economy by creating clean energy jobs that support families and communities throughout the state.

Why do we need this bill?

The 100% clean electricity bill is not perfect, but it is a huge and important step forward for Minnesota to achieve sustainability and equity. Passing this bill would help Minnesota to grow a thriving renewable energy sector that can support the electrification of transportation, homes, and public buildings. It would help Minnesota get on track to meet the goals laid out in the Climate Action Framework of achieving a near-zero-emission economy by 2050. 100% carbon-free electricity is essential for Minnesota to ensure a sustainable future in which all its residents can prosper!

Passing this bill would also put Minnesota in league with 17 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington D.C. that have already committed to 100% clean electricity.

How is equity served in the 100% bill?

MNIPL and our partners in the Indigenous Rights and Climate Justice Platform have been fighting hard to make sure that no community is left behind in the renewable energy transition. We believe that large hydropower that harms Manitoba Cree communities should not count as a renewable energy source, and we fought to ensure that no new hydropower facility could be included in the list of renewable energy sources.

We also fought to exclude incinerators, and are thrilled that the Hennepin County burner (HERC) will not count towards the 100% goal. We were discouraged to see the exemption for the Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC) and will continue to work with communities in the Northland to resist the permitting of a proposed natural gas plant in Superior, Wisconsin that would affect Minnesota customers. That new fossil fuel plant would pollute the surrounding air and water while increasing Minnesota Power customer rates for as long as it operates. Stay tuned to learn more about how our conversations on NTEC are proceeding.

Feel free to contact Juventino Meza (juventino@mnipl.org) if you have any questions about the 100% bill.