Today, the Eighth Circuit determined that the Next Generation Energy Act (“NGEA”), a Minnesota law that established power sector standards for carbon dioxide emissions, was unconstitutional (decision available here). In so doing, the Court affirmed the decision of District Court Judge Susan Nelson, whose 2014 decision we covered in “Court Declares Minnesota
Stoel Rives Partner Jon Wellinghoff to Join SolarCity as Chief Policy Officer
I just wanted to pass along word to readers that Stoel Rives partner and Renewable + Law blog author Jon Wellinghoff will be leaving us to join SolarCity as their new Chief Policy Officer. Read SolarCity’s official announcement. We’ve enjoyed working with Jon as a member of the Stoel Rives Energy Team. We’d like
Minnesota Governor Appoints New PUC Commissioner
Yesterday, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton announced the appointment of Matthew Schuerger to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC). Mr. Schuerger will replace Commissioner Betsy Wergin, whose term expired January 4, 2016. Governor Dayton’s Press Release can be found here.
The MPUC consists of five commissioners appointed by the governor to six-year, staggered terms. Under
BREAKING NEWS: Xcel Energy Announces Commitment to Cease Coal-Fired Operations at Sherco Units 1 and 2
Xcel Energy announced this afternoon its intent to cease coal-fired generation at Sherco Units 1 and 2 in 2026 and 2023, respectively, while adding 1,200 MW of new renewable sources (800 MW of wind and 400 MW of solar) by 2020. According to the Xcel Energy website, Sherco Unit 1 has a generating capacity
Community Solar Update: PV Magazine and Solar Industry Magazine
Community solar (“CSG”) is the topic of two articles we authored in the September editions of PV Magazine and Solar Industry Magazine. Titled “Care in the Community” (PV Magazine) and “Proof of Concept: Community Solar is Ready to Soar Despite Complications” (Solar Industry Mag), the articles consider the launch of The
Gov. Dayton Signs 2015 Jobs and Energy Bill into Law
On Saturday, June 13, Governor Dayton signed the 2015 Jobs and Energy Bill into Law. Our prior coverage of this bill can be found here and here. The following amendments were made after the Governor’s veto:
- New definitions for “propane,” “propane storage facility,” and “synthetic gas.”
- New net metering provision that applies to
MN Special Session Jobs and Energy Bill Posted
As a follow up to our prior coverage, Governor Dayton vetoed the jobs and energy bill that passed in the final few minutes of the 2015 regular legislative session. Governor Dayton’s veto letter can be found here.
After significant negotiations, the legislature finally posted a revised version of the legislation in its 2015 1st
Sprint to the Finish! Fast Work at the Conclusion of the 2015 Minnesota Legislative Session Results in Few but Significant Energy Policy Changes
In a literal sprint to the finish, the Minnesota legislature passed a bill, which included energy policy provisions as part of a Senate Floor Amendment, just seconds before the State constitutional deadline. Pertinent energy policy provisions were included in Article 3 of that amendment and are briefly summarized below:
- If the MN PUC
Rep. Garofalo Posts Bold Minnesota Energy Omnibus Bill
Late this afternoon, Rep. Pat Garofalo posted a bold and significant omnibus bill on the web page for the Job Growth and Energy Affordability Policy and Finance Committee of the Minnesota House of Representatives. This author has not gone through the bill in detail, but calls out the following provisions as noteworthy based on a
MN PUC Approves First Minnesota Multiyear Plan, But Work Remains on Implementation
Yesterday, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (the “Commission”) met to address the first general rate case filed under section 216B.16 subd. 19 of the Minnesota Statutes. Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota Corporation, d/b/a Xcel Energy submitted the multiyear rate petition on November 4, 2013. In that petition, Xcel Energy asked for an increase in