EPA Orders 40 Percent Cut In Minnesota Carbon Emissions By 2030
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- Top Minnesota Republicans say new federal energy rules could force a shutdown of some of the state's coal-fired power plants.
The Environmental Protection Agency is ordering a 40 percent cut in Minnesota's carbon emissions by 2030. Most of that will come from power plants, like Xcel's Sherco plant in Becker.
The tough new energy standards could force changes in the way we make power and use it every day. But critics say it could also force people out of their jobs.
Almost half of Minnesota's electricity comes from coal plants. But coal is a leading source of carbon dioxide emissions.
Even though Minnesota's already cut carbon emissions by 20 percent, new federal pollution standards require the state to cut even more: 40 percent by 2030.
Rep. Pat Garofolo is the chairman of the Minnesota House Job Growth and Energy Committee.
"Minnesota is being punished because we took this action without the federal government telling us," Garofolo said "So whatever that percentage is -- and reasonable people can disagree about it -- but why would we support a policy that punishes the state of Minnesota for acting on our own?"
To meet the new pollution standards, GOP leaders say power companies could soon consider shutting down parts of coal fired power plants like Sherco. Local lawmakers fear the loss of hundreds of jobs.
"These people are worried about their jobs, their communities," Rep. Jim Newberger, (R) - Becker, said. "They are worried about their livelihoods."
To spur pollution cuts, Democrats are proposing $1,000 in tax credits in Minnesota for electric cars and home energy improvements, re-training for coal plant workers, and preparations for a "clean energy economy."
"Right now in this country, there are more solar industry jobs than there are coal industry jobs and we are going through a transition," Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL) said. "Just as we have no more horse and buggy jobs -- we now make automobiles -- we are in a transition in the energy arena."
We've all witnessed the effects of climate change this summer, thought to be caused by man-made carbon emissions: From drought, flooding, and rising sea levels.
Pope Francis is visiting the U.S. this week, and is expected to address climate change at a speech in Philadelphia.
Members of the House Job Growth and Energy Policy Committee toured the Sherco coal power plant Monday afternoon. They are just beginning a hearing in Becker to discuss what the new federal energy standards could mean for consumers, and for workers at the plant.
"This is a pretty moderate plant that provides affordable safe and very clean electricity for the region," Rep. Garofalo said at the hearing.
Thats how the head of the group, the House jobs and energy committee saw the place.
"That's what people do here, this is our bread and butter," Rep. Newberger said. "Any changes that would effect these power plants would have a catastrophic effect to central Minnesota."
Committee member Rep. Karen Clark (DFL) sees things differently.
"I don't think that we are at the point of shutting it down," she said. "I think we are talking about ramping up the alternative energy sources, which also creates many, many jobs."
Barry Kukowski, a Clearwater resident was at the hearing, too.
"We want to see this plant stay open," he said. "We want to see it stay open because it directly impacts our lives in this area."
Environmental groups, lobbyists, and a representative from Xcel who runs the plant gave the House Committee information on the pros and cons of coal power.
The American Lung Association showed up stressing alternative energy for the effects on breathing.