Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton vetoed HF 234/SF 141, a bill that would have removed the Public Utility Commissions’s regulatory authority on Minnesota’s electric co-ops.
In his letter to Speaker of the House Kurt Daudt, Governor Dayton said he heard from many constituents opposing the bill.
“The legislation would create uncertainty for all municipal and cooperative electric utility customers seeking to produce their own renewable and efficient energy,” writes Dayton in the letter. “It could impact economic development in Greater Minnesota, and the thousands of jobs in renewable energy in our state. I cannot support this legislation.”
SEIA issued the following statement from Sean Gallagher, vice president of state affairs, praising the veto:
“SEIA and the solar industry commend Governor Dayton for vetoing legislation that would have stripped rural Minnesota residents of critical consumer protection and hindered solar’s growth in the state. In doing so, Dayton stood up for both consumers and economic growth.
“Due to policies championed by the Governor, Minnesota emerged as a national leader in solar energy last year. The state installed more community solar than any other state in the country. The Governor’s decision ensures that more Minnesotans can access solar energy and that clean energy jobs continue to grow.”