Hawley state representative criticizes Minnesota house bill requiring all carbon-free energy sources by 2040

(Fargo, ND) -- State representative Jim Joy is criticizing a bill just passed by the Minnesota house that would require the state's utilities to get all of their electricity from carbon-free sources by 2040.  

"Last night, Minnesota for instance, used 80,000 megawatts. If we went solar for that much megawatts for one day, we need 787,000 acres of land. We need 160 square miles of solar panels to run us for one day," said Joy. 

Joy says the state currently does not have enough carbon-free energy resources to supply all of the state's needs if the bill becomes law. He also says the moratorium on new nuclear power plants in the state should be lifted. 

Electricity used in some Minnesota communities is produced by coal and gas powered plants in North Dakota. Governor Doug Burgum has threatened to sue the state of Minnesota if the carbon-free legislation becomes law.   
 

Original Air Date: 
Monday, January 30, 2023