Latest news with #HouseEnergyCommittee
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Republicans offer proposal to block locals from banning natural gas
Rep. Steve Frisbie (R-Battle Creek) testifies before the House Energy Committee on June 3, 2025. | Screenshot Local control and energy choice issues were once again up for discussion in the Michigan Legislature this week as a Republican representative made his case on a proposal centered around natural gas-powered appliances. The legislation came from Rep. Steve Frisbie (R-Battle Creek), who testified Tuesday before the House Energy Committee. Frisbie's House Bill 4486, he said, inspired by attempts to ban natural gas connections and appliances in new homes, pointing to a 2023 proposal in Ann Arbor urging city leaders to ban gas service in new housing builds with limited exceptions. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In response, House Bill 4486 would prevent municipalities from adopting or enforcing ordinances, policies or resolutions that ban the use of natural gas in their locality, or block the installation of natural gas infrastructure, voiding any ordinance that violates this law. 'This legislation is a reflection of personal freedoms,' Frisbie said. 'Who are we to tell a family how they can keep their families warm following an ice storm.' However, old arguments stemming from Republican's opposition to legislative Democrat's 2023 energy law changes quickly bubbled to the surface, as Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) asked Frisbie whether he believed in local control. More than a year and a half ago, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer put her pen to legislation aimed at expanding clean energy in Michigan, with one set of bills granting the state's energy regulator the authority to approve permits for large-scale renewable energy and battery storage projects, which was previously exclusive to local governments. Republicans viewed the change as an incursion, ripping zoning control away from Michigan communities to force wind and solar on localities who had opposed those resources. Earlier this year, members of the Republican-led House voted on party lines to repeal the change, with Senate Republicans unveiling their own effort to eliminate the law in late May. However, neither proposal is likely to make it through the Democratic-led Senate. While multiple Democratic members of the House Energy Committee pressed Frisbie on how his bill would impact infrastructure and interact with farmland preservation ordinances, Frisbie said the policy 'has nothing to do with gas infrastructure.' 'It has to do with appliances and a choice of being able to use gas versus electric as a user,' Frisbie said. 'It has nothing to do with infrastructure.' Courtney Brady, the Midwest deputy director for Evergreen Action, which advocates for Climate Action in several states, called the scope and the motivation of the bill confusing, telling Michigan Advance 'the fact that the bill is so open ended is concerning.' Although there are incentives in the state to help Michiganders upgrade to energy-efficient electrical appliances, Brady said Michigan localities aren't looking to ban natural gas, calling the bill a 'false solution in search of a problem.' 'These are messaging attempts,' she said. 'They're distractions.' Prior to the introduction of Frisbie's legislation, Sen. Joe Bellino (R-Monroe) introduced a nearly identical policy in the Democratic-led Senate, Senate Bill 275. It has not received a committee hearing.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawmakers advance historic bill that could reshape how data centers operate nationwide: 'Looking at it in a way that would protect our resources'
With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and large language models like ChatGPT, data centers are popping up across the country to power our increasingly digital lives. But these centers require enormous resources to operate, especially electricity and water. A new Minnesota bill could become the national standard for holding tech giants accountable. The proposed legislation would set a new precedent for how data centers powering our digital world can operate sustainably. Facilities would need to report their energy use and water withdrawals publicly, pay conservation fees, and source at least 65% of their energy from carbon-free sources, according to Government Technology. That's a big shift. Data centers use billions of gallons of water for cooling and consume vast amounts of electricity. NPR has reported that the average data center uses 300,000 gallons of water a day, with larger centers around 1 million. With 11 large-scale centers proposed across Minnesota — and only one currently under construction — concerns are rising about whether the state's grid and water supply can support them sustainably. Critically, those centers cumulatively could demand more electricity than all Minnesota households combined, according to Government Technology. That has sparked debate over how the state will balance development with its 2040 goal of achieving carbon-free energy. Rep. Patty Acomb, the top Democrat on the House Energy Committee and sponsor of the bill, said the objective is to ensure responsible growth. "I just wanted to make sure we were looking at it in a way that would protect our resources, protect utility ratepayers, and allow it to be a thriving industry," she told the Star Tribune. Environmental groups have applauded the effort, while the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Data Center Coalition oppose the bill. If passed, this legislation could mark a turning point in how high-tech industries manage natural resources, benefiting local communities and helping protect Minnesota's environment for generations to come. To combat excess water and energy usage associated with data centers elsewhere, some companies and researchers are looking for alternatives. Do you think governments should ban the production of gas-powered lawn equipment? Absolutely Yes — but not yet I don't know Heck no Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Microsoft is working on a way to eliminate the need for water during chip-level cooling. Meanwhile, researchers at the University of Missouri have devised a new cooling system to control temperatures and make data centers more energy-efficient. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
As MN Legislature again weighs ending ban on new nuclear plants, Prairie Island tribe a key voice
Minnesota lawmakers are once again debating whether the state should lift a three-decade ban on new nuclear power plants in the state. Though in order for that to happen, advocates will need to persuade skeptical Democrats and a Dakota community whose land is right next to an existing plant. At a Thursday hearing for a new bill to lift Minnesota's nuclear moratorium, the House Energy Committee heard from advocates who say nuclear power will be key to the state's clean energy transition and opponents concerned about costs, safety and storage of nuclear waste. Republican members advanced the bill for a vote of the full House, though its prospects are unclear. The Prairie Island Indian Community's approval could be key to securing support from Democratic Farmer-Labor lawmakers, and while a tribal representative said he was encouraged by conversations with bill author Rep. Spencer Igo, R-Wabana Township, more needs to be done before they could support an end to the ban. Blake Johnson, a lobbyist for the southeast Minnesota tribe, acknowledged the role of nuclear energy in producing carbon-free electricity for the state, but said the community needs more assurance it is protected from expansion of nuclear power. 'Our tribal members have lived next to spent nuclear waste for 30 years and next to a generating plant for 50 years,' he said. 'What would you say if your people are struggling with what sits in the earth and adding more means that it will be a problem we leave for our children, our children's children, and so on?' Prairie Island sits about 700 yards away from the nuclear power plant and more than 1,000 tons of radioactive waste, closer than any other community in the United States, tribal or otherwise, Johnson said. The nuclear plant was constructed without tribal consent half a century ago, just a few years before Prairie Island received electricity and running water, Johnson said. The state approved on-site waste storage with the promise there'd be a moratorium on new nuclear power and an eventual federal long-term solution for storage. Igo's bill would allow the state Public Utilities Commission to issue a 'certificate of need' for a nuclear power plant again and contains language specifically banning the construction of a new nuclear plant or waste storage facility on Prairie Island. Minnesota has two nuclear power plants that started operating in the 1970s: a two-reactor plant at Prairie Island near Red Wing and a one-reactor plant in Monticello. None have been built since following a moratorium on new plants enacted in 1994. Advocates argue nuclear power will be key as the state transitions to carbon-free electricity to combat climate change. The DFL-led Legislature passed a bill in 2023 requiring all energy in the state to be carbon neutral by 2040, and nuclear would be a key part of providing reliable baseload power, they say. Republicans have repeatedly tried to remove the 2040 mandate, but they say nuclear power will help if it remains in place. 'It's important that we utilize every tool in the tool box that we pursue an all of the above energy approach,' Igo said. 'And if we're going to get there and we're going to make sure to keep energy affordable and reliable, we need to use everything at our disposal.' Some DFL members of the House Energy Committee said they were curious about nuclear power but wanted more reassurances about safety, waste and costs. Rep. Athena Hollins, DFL-St. Paul said she was happy Igo had worked with the Prairie Island Indian Community, but added lawmakers should do more to ensure waste doesn't end up elsewhere in the state. 'We always end up putting it in the communities that are most vulnerable and are historically disadvantaged,' she said. 'I think that it needs to be a broader conversation.' Concerns about Prairie Island, practicality of building new plants by 2040, and environmental risks have kept most Democrats from openly supporting an end to the moratorium, but some senators have gotten on board. A 2025 bill sponsored by Sen. Andrew Mathews, R-Princeton, has the support of Sen. Grant Hauschild, DFL-Hermantown, and Sen. John Hoffman, DFL-Champlin. It hasn't seen success in the DFL-controlled Senate. Xcel Energy, which runs the state's two nuclear plants, says nuclear will play a 'foundational role' in the transition to carbon-free electricity. The company is open to expansion in Minnesota, but has not taken a position on lifting the moratorium. 'While we believe that advanced nuclear energy resources should be one of the options as we continue the energy transition, any discussion about lifting the state's moratorium on new nuclear plants must include the Prairie Island Indian Community as a key stakeholder,' spokesman Theo Keith told the Pioneer Press in a statement. Minnesota Power, which provides electricity in northeastern parts of the state, said the state should approach lifting the moratorium with 'care and intent.' 'We believe that ensuring reliability and affordability as we decarbonize our system, means all emerging technology and options, including nuclear power, need to be carefully considered to help meet the energy needs of the future,' said Minnesota Power spokesperson Amy Rutledge. Politics | Ethics panel deadlocks on complaints against senator charged with felony — again Politics | DFL candidate wins special election, returning Minnesota House to tie Politics | Former Minnesota Sen. Melisa López Franzen to run for U.S. Senate in 2026 Politics | Control of Minnesota House depends on Roseville area special election Tuesday Politics | Economic 'uncertainty' drives down Minnesota's surplus, grows projected future deficit
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill to limit wind turbine farms fails to pass committee
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — On Wednesday, Representatives in the House Energy Committee debated about renewable energy. As wind energy contributes more and more to the state's power grid, there's pushback to new wind farms popping up. Representative Tim Turner (R-Kinta) is behind the effort to limit wind turbine farms in Oklahoma, specifically in Eastern Oklahoma. Pursuit in Canadian County leads to drug bust, two people arrested Turner said the turbines impact new housing and hurt tourism. 'Residents in eastern Oklahoma have become increasingly concerned about their property rights related to the proposed wind projects in that part of the state,' said Rep. Turner. However, a lot of back-and-forth inside the energy committee on Wednesday meant his bill wouldn't move forward. 'Green energy is not doing anything except cost taxpayers more and more dollars,' said Rep. Turner. The proposed bill covered more than half of Oklahoma's counties, which caused pushback. Leaders said Oklahoma has abundant wind energy, and harnessing it lowers electric bills. 'Wind generates 45.7% of our energy mix and keeps energy prices lower in Oklahoma than our neighbors in the power pole. So who are we protecting? The property owners or neighbors of the property owners,' said Rep. John Waldron (D-Tulsa). Fire crews knock down house fire in SW Oklahoma City 'I think the concern there was about private property rights and local control, which is an important aspect and value that Oklahomans have, and that was upheld today,' said Rep. Cyndi Munson (D-Oklahoma City). It's a setback, but Representative Turner isn't going to stop pushing. 'We'll be back. It'll be back. Every year that I'm in this house. I'm here. I'm here for the will, the people. I'm here for the people,' said Rep. Turner. While this bill in the House Energy Committee did not pass on Wednesday, a similar one passed the Senate Energy Committee and has the chance to be heard on the Senate floor. OG&E sent a statement regarding the energy they use from wind turbines. OG&E operates three wind farms in Oklahoma and purchases power from other Oklahoma wind farms. We have 449 MW of owned wind power generation, and 342 MW of wind-purchase contracts. Overall, our power generation capacity mix includes 7% from renewable resources, most of which comes from wind resources. OG&E Public Service Company of Oklahoma also told News 4, they have more than 800 MW of generating capacity from their wind farms. For more information on PSO's usage, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ohio lawmakers mull energy overhaul as data center demand piles up
Aerial photograph of the OVEC-operated Kyger Creek Power Plant in Cheshire. (Getty Images.) Ohio lawmakers on the House Energy Committee began discussion this week of a measure that would overhaul the state's energy landscape and got an update from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Commission Chair Jenifer French argued that growing demand as manufacturing developments and data centers move to Ohio is out of whack with the number of aging fossil fuel plants reaching the end of their life. 'The growth in demand and retiring resources is leading to a supply and demand imbalance,' she argued. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Although most of Ohio's current electricity generation comes from natural gas and coal-fired plants, French warned that the facilities waiting their turn to get connected to the grid lean heavily toward renewables like solar that provide intermittent power. She argued the state needs to encourage more 'base load generation' — the kind of 'always-on' energy sources that provide consistent power to the grid. Although French pointed to resources like coal, natural gas, and nuclear, renewable sources like hydroelectric and biomass can provide consistent power as well. 'In order to meet the needs of growing demand in Ohio,' she said, 'it is important to encourage construction of base load generation, which can be fueled by resources right here in Ohio.' In her written testimony, French placed specific emphasis on generating that power by burning natural gas. State Rep. Roy Klopfenstein, R-Haviland, described his legislation as an effort to 'modernize' the state's energy framework as demand explodes. 'Over the past five years,' he explained, 'we have witnessed an unprecedented surge in energy demand, with data centers alone consuming 600 megawatts of electricity. (AEP) forecasts that this will increase to 5000 megawatts by 2030. This trend is not likely to reverse.' In terms of energy, Klopfenstein said, Ohio has been a victim of its own success. Major development projects from Intel, Honda, and most recently Anduril are great for jobseekers, but they come with ever greater demands for energy. 'Without new generation, we could face potential shortages,' Klopfenstein said. 'And I probably would change that word could to will face potential shortages.' His goal is to increase base load generation, and he contends House Bill 15 will make it easier for new generation facilities to come online by keeping big distribution companies out of a market where they might crowd out smaller players. Klopfenstein's proposal also requires utilities to offer service at the market rate and repeals electric security plans which allow providers to place surcharges on monthly bills to cover infrastructure investments. His bill would also repeal the widely derided surcharges to bail out two Ohio Valley Electric Company coal plants that were part of the corrupt House Bill 6 legislation in 2019 that's been the subject of federal and state prosecutions. But by the same token, Klopfenstein also proposes eliminating a fund benefiting solar facilities that was part of HB 6. 'It is not the role of the state to favor one form of generation over another,' he argued. 'Instead, we should open the market to dispatchable energy generation to address our future shortages.' Democrats on the panel pushed back, highlighting a recent law allowing county officials to block solar and wind development when similar authority doesn't exist for fossil fuel plants. 'I'm wary of some of the paradoxes that may be created by letting local governments sort of ban wind and solar, strangling parts of the market,' state Rep. Derrick Hall, D-Akron, said, 'when the state takes a position that that's not what we ought to be doing.' Klopfenstein admitted he was 'not in love' with that bill when it was approved but chalked it up to a question of local control and property rights. 'I don't think the discussion on base load generation, which is sort of the target of this bill, will get into land use rights,' he said. Another Democrat on the committee, state Rep. Sean Brennan, D-Parma, asked about the more than $400 million ratepayers have already shelled out for those coal plants — can they get a refund? 'We can't change the past,' Klopfenstein argued, adding if Ohio wants to attract new energy companies, 'when I look in arrears to asking for a refund, I think that sets a bad precedent. And I think it sets a risk factor that it would warrant some people not to come here.' Already, an outside group called Alliance for Competitive Power has cut ads in favor of Klopfenstein's legislation. That group includes Vistra, which generates more than 5,500 megawatts in Ohio across several facilities including the Davis-Besse and Perry Nuclear plants as well as Alpha Generation which operates a 940-megawatt natural gas facility in Lordstown. Maryland-based Constellation and Texas-based Talen Energy are also part of the group, but because it's organized as a 501(c)(4) it's unclear if other companies are involved or who much the coalition members have contributed. Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Nick Evans on X or on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
