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Minnesota pushes a bill that allows the state to increase its efforts of having carbon-free electricity by 2040.

Minnesota will transition to completely carbon-free electricity by 2040. The state aims to step up its efforts against climate change by submitting a bill currently going through Legislature.

According to AP News, the bill is a priority for Democrats and Democratic Governor Tim Walz. However, the Republicans plan to come up with an extensive list of amendments. They hope the amendments will lower the costs to consumers and risks to the power grid. 

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“The Senate’s two meteorologists — Democratic Sens. Nicole Mitchell, of Woodbury, and Robert Kupec, of Moorhead — detailed for their colleagues how climate change is accelerating across Minnesota. They said it’s leading to more extreme weather events, as well as hotter summers with more droughts and warmer winters with shorter ice-fishing seasons.”

Currently, 21 states and the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have 100% clean-energy standards, with the goal to reach them between 2040 and 2050.

Minnesota’s greenhouse gas emissions were lowered by 23% from 2005 to 2020 and will get to 30% by 2025. This is mostly thanks to the drop in power generation, where emissions fell by 54%.

The new bill aims to shift utilities from fossil fuels to wind and solar energy. It also makes room for hydropower, hydrogen, and biomass to become carbon-free. For example, utilities that can’t stop using gas or coal can use renewable energy credits or off-ramps to delay compliance.

Marina is passionate about sustainability and works to help ensure our planet stays as our home for a long time. She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and not buying single-use plastic. When not writing, she can be found with her nose stuck in a book or trying out new baking recipes.

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