Carbon Free Energy Bill Signed Into Law

(KNSI) – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed Senate File 4 into law on Tuesday, which will mandate 100% clean energy for the state by 2040.

The bill passed through both houses of the state legislature on a mostly party-line vote. The DFL majority has made fighting climate change a top priority at the capitol early in the session.

The law demands that utilities switch from coal, in particular, to cleaner energy sources unless costs rise too quickly or there are concerns about reliability.

Walz says, “Minnesota will continue to lead the way on combatting climate change and we’ll create clean energy jobs in the process. This bill is an essential investment in our future that will continue to pay off for generations to come.”

Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan says the bill fits in nicely with the broader themes of the Walz Administration’s second term. “As we work to make Minnesota the best state to raise a family, investing in our climate future is an essential part of building a bright future for our kids. This bill is good news for Minnesota and our country as the North Star State leads the way.”

Republicans have nicknamed the measure the “blackout bill.” They say it will ensure the lights go out during winter cold snaps and sweltering summer heatwaves. The GOP has also warned about the cost. It cites the research from the conservative think tank The American Experiment, which predicts roughly an additional $3,900 per year in costs for the average Minnesota utility customer from the regulation.

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