Minnesota moves toward 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040

@ap.news FILE – Solar panels stand near corn growing on Barb and Gerald Bauer’s farm on Aug. 20, 2021, near Faribault, Minn. Minnesota utilities would be obligated to transition to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040 under a bill slated for a vote on the Senate floor Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File)

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota utilities would be obligated to transition to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040 to step up the fight against climate change under a bill speeding through the Legislature.

The bill was slated for a final vote on the Senate floor Thursday night after passing the House 70-60 last week.

It’s a top priority for Democrats, who control both chambers, and for Gov. Tim Walz. Republican critics have dubbed it a “blackout bill.” They say it will undermine the reliability of Minnesota’s power grid — especially on the coldest winter nights and hottest summer days — in addition to forcing consumers to pay higher energy costs.