Gov. Mark Dayton sent out a press release Thursday saying he is willing to sign the Senate version of a bill replacing a coal plant in Becker with natural gas operation.

 

Rep. Jim Newberger was getting set to present his and Sen. Andrew Mathew’s bill to the House Thursday afternoon when they heard the news of Dayton’s press release. The House went on to approve the Sherco bill 77-51.

 

Newberger and Mathew’s bill calls for the replacement of retiring Units 1 and 2 at Sherco with a natural gas plant along with an increase in wind and solar production.

 

Opponents of the bill say the move by the legislators bypasses the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, which abstained from committing to the new large-scale natural gas plant in Becker last year when it approved Xcel’s resource plan.

 

Dayton expressed concerns about similar proposals that would "weaken" the PUC. However, he wrote this project was of "critical importance," for Becker, the surrounding area and the state.

 

Dayton has now directed the Department of Employment and Economic Development to study how the state can partner with Becker to sop up the impact of the two Sherco closures expected in 2023 and 2026. 

 

City and county officials, as well as Xcel, voiced support for the bill. More on this bill and the efforts of local government on this campaign can be expected over the next several weeks.