Minnesotans should strongly applaud legislation proposed by Rep. Shane Mekeland of Clear Lake that supports natural gas and offers cities, counties, families and businesses consistent and transparent rules for the future use of much-needed natural gas.

A few radically minded cities in California and elsewhere have considered banning new natural gas hook-ups for homes and business, raising concerns for energy users everywhere.

Now that we are facing potential economic disruption and hardship on a scale not seen since the Great Depression because of the Coronavirus pandemic, the idea that some would attempt to ban an affordable, reliable fuel is irresponsible, if not insensitive to the plight of the least fortunate Minnesotans.

While no such restrictions on natural gas have been proposed in Minnesota, it is commendable that Rep. Mekeland took pre-emptive action against such ill-conceived prohibitions to give all Minnesotans a certain piece of mind.
These actions to restrict natural gas are impulsive and ill-advised and, if adopted, would curtail the world-leading environmental progress we’re making while creating an unnecessary cost burden for consumers that also risks our energy security.

Chris Ventura
Director Consumer Energy Alliance