FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, October 29, 2018
Contact:
Aaron Klemz aklemz@mncenter.org
Jessica Tritsch jessica.tritsch@sierraclub.org
J. Drake Hamilton hamilton@fresh-energy.org
Duluth, Minnesota – Clean Energy advocacy groups are disappointed in a decision today by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to approve a petition from Minnesota Power to build a new gas plant across the border in Superior, Wisconsin. The groups intervened in the case and provided expert testimony to demonstrate that the $700 million fossil fuel plant was not needed to meet Minnesota Power’s customers’ needs.
Despite expert studies and recommendations from an Administrative Law Judge to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission proving that the proposed gas plant is unnecessary and a waste of customer dollars, and that Minnesota Power could more cheaply meet customer needs with common-sense energy efficiency and renewable, home-grown energy, on a 3-2 vote the Commission rejected Judge Cochran’s analysis and approved the petition.
Minnesota Power has not yet established retirement dates for coal power plants remaining in its system, particularly Boswell Units 3 and 4. The Commission’s action today would add yet another fossil fuel burning power plant while significant amounts of coal remain in Minnesota Power’s plans.
Clean Energy organizations were not alone in opposing Minnesota Power’s petition. A group of large industrial customers also argued against the plant, saying that demand can be met without the expensive investment. In addition, consumer groups have also opposed the Nemadji Trail gas plant proposal, arguing the unnecessary cost would be passed onto residential ratepayers.
"We’re disappointed that three commissioners failed to recognize that this proposal is not in the public interest and is not needed to serve customers. There are much better investments to make in our future energy system than an investment in another large fossil fuel plant,” said Leigh Currie, an attorney with the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy representing the Clean Energy Organizations.
“Minnesota needs to reduce fossil fuel use to prevent the worst damages from climate change. That’s why Minnesota established science-based carbon reduction goals. Allowing this new gas plant could prevent our state from meeting our climate commitment,“ said J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director at Fresh Energy.
“This fracked gas plant is a bad deal for Minnesotans,” said Jessica Tritsch, Senior Campaign Representative at the Sierra Club. “Minnesota Power’s long term plan for generating electricity still includes a majority investment in dirty fossil fuels that will continue to threaten our water, health, climate and pocketbooks. We need to be investing in common-sense energy efficiency, storage, and renewable, home-grown energy that cost less, create more sustainable jobs and protect Minnesota’s environment.”