Aaron Klemz, aklemz@mncenter.org
Jessica Tritsch, jessica.tritsch@sierraclub.org
Megy Karydes, megy@karydesconsulting.com
Duluth, Minnesota – Today, clean energy groups Sierra Club, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, and Union of Concerned Scientists appealed the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC) approval to build the Nemadji Trail Energy Center gas power plant proposed for Superior, Wisconsin. The Minnesota PUC voted 3-2 to disregard an administrative law judge’s recommendation that the Commission rule against the proposed plant, and then rejected the clean energy groups’ request to reconsider the decision.
In July 2018, administrative law judge Jeanne M. Cochrane recommended that the Minnesota PUC deny Minnesota Power’s request to build the gas power plant in Superior, finding that it was not “needed and reasonable.” In October 2018, the Minnesota PUC voted 3-2 to approve the proposal against Judge’s Cochran’s recommendation. Last month, the Minnesota PUC refused to reconsider the decision, leading to today’s appeal to the Minnesota Court of Appeals. In a separate proceeding, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is also reviewing the proposal.
"Minnesota has the opportunity to be a world leader for the new clean energy economy, turning our vast renewable resources into jobs all over the state. At this critical moment for the climate, it doesn’t make sense to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to build a new fossil fuel power plant,” said Kevin Lee, an attorney with the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy representing the clean energy groups. “One judge already ruled that this is an unnecessary and unreasonable proposal, and we hope the Minnesota Court of Appeals agrees.”
“Minnesotans have been clear that they want 100-percent, carbon-free electricity and climate science doesn’t lie,” said James Gignac, lead Midwest energy analyst for the Union of Concerned Scientists. “Aside from the hard costs that will result in the building of this unnecessary gas power plant, including higher energy costs, communities will also be harmed by air pollution and other environmental challenges.”
“This fracked gas plant is still a bad deal for the Northland,” said Jessica Tritsch, senior campaign representative at the Sierra Club. “Fracked gas is expensive, unnecessary and risky. The proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center would lock Minnesota Power customers into paying $350 million for fossil fuels, when we need to be investing in common-sense energy efficiency, storage, and renewable, home-grown energy that costs less, creates more sustainable jobs and protects Minnesota’s environment.”
Large industrial customers (including mines and paper mills) and consumer groups have also opposed the construction of the new $350 million gas fired power plant on the grounds that it is too expensive and will unnecessarily raise electrical rates for Minnesota Power customers.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.
About the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy
Established in 1974, MCEA uses law, science, and research to protect Minnesota’s environment, its natural resources, and the health of its people. MCEA envisions clean water, clean air, healthy ecosystems, a sustainable economy, and improved public health for all Minnesotans. We are committed to growing our capacity and impact to achieve measurable progress toward this vision. For more information, visit http://www.mncenter.org.
About the Union of Concerned Scientists
The Union of Concerned Scientists is a national nonprofit organization founded 50 years ago by scientists and students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who sought to use the power of science to address global problems and improve people’s lives. Today, the Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with people across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future. For more information, visit www.ucsusa.org