Next Generation Energy Act

A bill that aims to take Minnesota’s energy policy into the next generation was approved by a House division.

HF436, sponsored by Rep. Bill Hilty (DFL-Finlayson), would enact the Next Generation Energy Act of 2007, emphasizing energy conservation, more renewable energy and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

The House Energy Finance and Policy Division approved the bill and sent it to the House Finance Committee.

The bill would:
• modify the state’s energy conservation improvement plan by setting a more aggressive goal of 1.5 percent of gross retail energy sales;
• help pave the way for an increase in community-based energy development (C-BED) projects; and
• lay out a plan to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions to 80 percent below 2005 levels by 2050.

A companion, SF145, sponsored by Sen. Yvonne Prettner Solon (DFL-Duluth), awaits action by the Senate Energy, Utilities, Technology and Communications Committee.