logo
Brief Publisher Logo
FACT BRIEF

Does Minnesota law mandate that the state exclusively use wind and solar power?

By Alberto Gomez
View this fact brief on MinnPost
Copy link
email
Copy featured image
email
NO

Minnesota’s climate legislation plans out a goal for a 100% carbon-free electricity standard by 2040. This includes wind, solar, hydroelectric and nuclear sources of energy.

Minnesota’s two nuclear energy plants supplied 24% of the state’s energy in 2021, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, although the state has a moratorium on new nuclear plants. Federally defined renewable energy accounted for 29%, coal accounted for 26% and natural gas accounted for 21%.

In February, MinnPost reported that the state expects to hit its 2025 goal of 30% carbon emissions reduction, set in 2007. From 2005 to 2020, the electric sector reduced emissions by 54%. Transportation reigns as the biggest carbon polluter in Minnesota but has reduced emissions by 18% since 2005.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
Minnesota Legislature SF 4
US Energy Information Administration US Energy Information Administration
CUB Minnesota Citizens Utility Board: Xcel
MinnPost Citing climate concerns, some progressives look to change the conversation about nuclear power in Minnesota
MinnPost Minnesota’s carbon emissions on track to meet climate goals set in 2007
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
MinnPost
MinnPost is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces thoughtful, in-depth journalism about civic and cultural affairs impacting Minnesota. Through our reporting, we take readers beyond the headlines and deep into the issues that matter through our public-service journalism, empowering them to engage in the politics and policy-making shaping Minnesota’s future.
FACT BRIEF BY
Brief Publisher Logo
Latest fact briefs from MinnPost
facebook
twitter
email
email
About fact briefs published on Gigafact
Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer “yes/no” answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact —a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all fact briefs here.