Friends,

Minnesota Democrats would have you believe rising energy costs would improve the quality and reliability of energy for you and your family.  This is not the case with the recently passed, Blackout bill. The cost of your energy is about to skyrocket as utility companies try to meet an arbitrary timeline for net zero carbon emissions by 2040. Here are the facts: 

This legislation closes off our state to coal, natural gas, nuclear, and large hydroelectric while mandating the grid be 100% powered by renewable energy sources of solar, wind, small hydroelectric, hydrogen, and biomass. And as a result, energy experts estimate that this mandate will cause Minnesota families to see their electric bills increase by an average of nearly $1,650 per year.

Senate Republicans offered a number of amendments during the vigorous debate on the floor. Democrats, however, were unwilling to vote for any amendment and chose to pass an extreme energy policy that will raise costs, reduce reliability, and is in fact dangerous. 

Senate Republicans put forth our A+ Energy Plan as the foundation for reliable, affordable, and “always on” energy planning for the state. What our plan does: 

1. Allowing nuclear construction in the state  
2. Authorizing hydroelectric power and nuclear to count as a renewable energy  
3. Affordable renewable natural gas to continue to reduce emissions  
4. Always On natural gas and coal for reliability and affordability  
5. All-of-the-Above strategy to mix solar, wind, hydroelectric, hydrogen, and biomass with our current energy sources

The A+ Energy Plan would end the ban on nuclear power construction in Minnesota and open a path for this emission-free energy source to power Minnesota homes and businesses. It would also allow coal and natural gas, including renewable natural gas, as a reliable and affordable option for energy companies to use, especially when demand is high.

Natural industry adoption, not a forced government mandate, should lead the carbon-free energy movement.  We can not legislate technology into existence.  The Democrats’ Blackout Bill, however, will require the entirety of our electricity to be from politically acceptable zero-carbon sources by 2040–in only 17 years. Minnesota already faces a dire energy outlook, with our state’s subzero temperatures straining our grid to its maximum capacity. And every time we are -20 degrees, electric suppliers ask users to curtail usage to keep the grid functional. The Democrats’ mandate will only make this outlook more unreliable and cause Minnesota families to experience even more expensive utility bills.

Senator Gustafson and I have introduced legislation related to the Authorization of trainee election judges' service until reaching the age of 18. This will significantly improve our ability as a State to run our elections fairly by increasing the talent pool of qualified and experienced election judges. 

What is in the bill:

1. Students who are homeschooled or enrolled at a local high school are eligible to apply as trainee election judges.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me for help with any state issue or legislative initiative: [email protected] or at (651) 296-3219.

Senator Calvin Bahr

Minnesota Senate, District 31

Choose Freedom,