Environmental groups in Minnesota are considering their next steps on the heels of a regulatory decision they said weakens the state's landmark carbon-free electricity law.

Late last week, the Public Utilities Commission clarified which technologies should be in the mix, as energy providers try to meet the requirement of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. The commission opened the door to allowing biomass -- namely the burning of wood -- and trash incineration to count as clean sources.

Barbara Freese climate program attorney at the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, said it is troubling the commission did not rule biomass options out.

"The law clearly said that to be carbon free, a generating source has to generate without emitting carbon dioxide," Freese pointed out. "These two sources of electricity, solid waste and biomass, emit tremendous amounts of carbon dioxide."

But utilities like Minnesota Power prioritize biomass as a form of renewable energy, with supporters arguing it is better to burn wood scraps from the logging industry than let it decompose. They argued it creates other carbon dioxide issues, and a carbon-neutral approach helps carry out the mission of the law. The commission decided more analysis is needed to get a clearer picture of the eligibility of these sources.

Despite the outcome, Minnesota's carbon-free requirement is not going away as the state added renewables like wind and solar. Freese expressed concern about what lies ahead.

"We can't be confident that the wording of the law will be accurately enforced," Freese contended. "And that is very troubling because there's going to be a lot of pressure to try to weaken this law."

She suggested pressure will not end with last week's decision. The law provides "offramps" for utilities struggling to meet the standard if clean-energy technologies are too costly or hinder grid reliability. And there is a push in the Midwest region to approve carbon-capture projects, with skeptics arguing some proposals are too large-scale and have yet to prove their effectiveness.


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In Kentucky, 462 businesses, farms and schools have received $77 million in federal funding to boost energy efficiency through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Energy For America Program, according to a new report.

The program provides loan guarantees and grants to farmers and rural small businesses.

Quenton King, government affairs specialist for the group Appalachian Voices, said the program is critical for helping agricultural producers and those in the tourism economy keep operating costs down.

"We're really grateful to the two Kentucky farms that agreed to talk with us, SouthDown farm in Letcher County and Sylvatica, a forest farm in Rockcastle County," King pointed out. "Both of those farms got a REAP grant to build solar arrays on their property."

SouthDown Farm in Letcher County received more than $7,000 from the program in 2020, enabling its owners to install a 20-kilowatt solar array. Sylvatica Forest Farm was awarded more than $11,000 in grant funding. Both businesses said the solar infrastructure will help reduce their energy consumption and lower their electric bills.

The infusion of an additional $2 billion for the program through 2031 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act will bring more energy efficiency and clean energy projects to Appalachia, King emphasized. He noted despite the funding boost, demand for the program continues to outpace available funding.

"We're looking at a future where people might not be able to apply for projects, or get money for projects," King projected. "That's really disheartening."


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Indiana is positioning itself as a national leader in clean energy, driving economic growth through innovative projects and significant investments.

Economic development officials said Indiana's heavy industry and manufacturing capabilities make it a natural partner for emerging technologies like carbon capture, hydrogen and solar power.

Andrea Richter-Garry, senior vice president of global strategy for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, said clean energy is transforming the state's economy and creating new opportunities.

"A great example of that would be Heidelberg Materials down in Mitchell, Indiana, receiving a huge Department of Energy grant to be able to push forward a carbon capture project that will lead to low carbon cement," Richter-Garry outlined. "Wabash Valley just announced a huge project in Terre Haute."

Some opponents have said the best approach is to hold back on renewables, arguing technology will get better and be less disruptive to landscapes. Richter-Garry countered Indiana's manufacturing strength is a critical component of the transition. The clean energy industry has brought in $12 billion in capital investments, more than $40 million annually in taxes, and about $35 million a year in lease payments to Indiana landowners.

Richter-Garry noted Indiana's workforce and existing infrastructure are well-suited to produce essential clean energy components, including wind turbines and solar panels, helping meet national and global energy goals.

"The Mammoth Solar project, that 13,000-acre solar farm is going to generate 1.3 gigawatts of power," Richter-Garry pointed out. "That's 75,000 homes. Indiana again has the correct kind of landscape as well as some of the local partnerships to be able to continue that trend."

Indiana's clean energy initiatives are not just about sustainability, they are about securing the state's economic future. By leveraging its strengths in manufacturing and innovation, Indiana is paving the way for a prosperous green economy to benefit communities across the state.


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The Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership is making significant strides in Pennsylvania's environmental efforts.

A $4,000 grant from The GIANT Company and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful will bring new trees to the City of Lancaster. The trees will be planted by volunteers.

Carla Eissing, Pennsylvania grassroots manager for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, said the grant is helping to support their Mira Lloyd Dock partnership diversity award. She added the grant will support a tree planting in November at McCaskey High School.

"We will be planting 56 native trees and shrubs of varying species, depending on what's available," Eissing explained. "We are always working with our growers to ensure that we've got a good selection to choose from."

Eissing added the project leverages community partnerships and leadership. It focuses on urban beautification, stormwater reduction and increasing green spaces. The project builds upon the efforts of previous award winners who engaged with the local school district and community.

Brenda Sieglitz, Pennsylvania director of major giving for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, applied for the grant through Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful to specifically be used for providing and purchasing the trees. She said since several other organizations are also funding this project, it has grown to involve more partners.

"Multiple of the other Mira Lloyd Dock awardees have joined together for this," Sieglitz noted. "We're really excited that we can use this funding from Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and the GIANT company to work together to leverage such an ambitious project with McCaskey."

Each winner of the Dock Award will get $5,000 to plant trees and $1,000 to take care of them. The trees will be provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Tree Pennsylvania program and the partnership.