Closure Of Coal-Fired Plant In Becker Met With Mixed Emotions

BECKER, Minn. (AP) -- Residents in a central Minnesota community have mixed feelings about the closure of a coal-fired plant that employs hundreds of people and provides three-fourths of the city's tax revenue.

Minnesota Public Radio News reports that most Becker residents weren't shocked by Xcel Energy's announcement last week that it's closing the entire Sherburne County Generation Station by 2030. The city was already looking to diversify its economy after the Minneapolis-based utility said it would retire two of the plant's three generators in the next few years.

Xcel Energy is trying to eliminate all carbon emissions from electric power by 2050.

Becker resident Adam Maskowski says he's unhappy about the plant closing because it contributes to the small city's success. But Maskowski says the move will bring new businesses and development.

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