Michelle Fischbach on Energy & Oil

Reduce greenhouse gas and expand renewable energy use

Remove CO2 emissions ban; authorize new coal plant

• Authorizes 1,500 megawatts of energy to be imported from out of state facilities if they meet the following requirements:
• The facilities are fueled by feedstock coal; and
• The facilities began construction after 2007.
• Repeals exemption based on a project contributing a specified fee per ton of CO2 emissions emitted annually by the project, to fund permanent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Veto Message: I vetoed and am returning Senate File 86, a bill that significantly rolls back Minnesota's restrictions on carbon dioxide emissions by energy utilities. Minnesota does not now need any new coal-fired power plants. Coal-fired electricity poses unacceptable risks to human health and to our climate.

Legislative Outcome: Bill Passed House 76-54 on May/11/2011; bill passed Senate 44-22 on 5/21/2011; Sen. Fischbach voted YES; vetoed by Gov. Dayton on May/22/2011.

Voted NO on cap-&-trade for greenhouse gas reduction goals

• The legislature finds that a cap and trade program will achieve Minnesota's greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals in a cost-effective manner.
• The right to emit greenhouse gases should be auctioned to emitting facilities rather than allocated at no cost, with proceeds from the auction invested in projects that advance the transition to a low greenhouse gas-emitting economy.
• A greenhouse gas cap and trade program is best pursued in cooperation with other Midwestern states.
• A "climate trust fund" is established [to manage revenue from auctions]

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 91-38 on April 23; passed Senate 43-21-3; State Sen. Michelle Fischbach voted NO; signed by Gov. Pawlenty on May 19.