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Clean Air Victory in Northern Minnesota
Case Updates:
January 3, 2013
On January 30, Minnesota Power announced plans to retire coal-burning units at two northern Minnesota coal plants by 2015.
The decision to retire the coal-burning units comes after environmental and consumer advocates persuaded the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to order Minnesota Power to address the economic viability of Syl Laskin and Taconite Harbor power plants in light of cleaner energy options, such as energy efficiency and renewable energy. Minnesota has robust renewable energy potential and already ranks fifth nationally for most installed wind capacity.
Pollution from burning coal at Minnesota Power’s coal plants makes it difficult for Iron Range residents to breathe, and it disturbs the once pristine forests, rivers, and lakes of northern Minnesota Clean air and clean water are a vital part of the Minnesota, and we applaud the decision to reduce dependence on coal.
Details and Documents:
Minnesota Power and Otter Tail Power Both Plan to Stop Burning Coal at Plants in Northern and Western MinnesotaFebruary 1, 2013, Sierra Club Press Release
News Articles:Minnesota Power converting coal plant to natural gasJanuary 30, 2013 by Drew Kerr,
Finance and Commerce
More Info:
See other "Retiring Old Coal" cases.