Looking toward the 2008 legislative session

The 2007 legislative session brought about many changes for Minnesota's electric utilities, and it appears changes will continue during the 2008 session.

Much of the 2007 legislation called for research and for various state agencies and groups to report back to legislators in 2008 before additional legislation was passed.

For example, as part of the Next Generation Act of 2007, Governor Pawlenty convened a stakeholder group representing a range of interests to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota over the coming years. This group will make recommendations in early 2008 that are anticipated to set much of the 2008 legislative agenda for energy issues.

Proposals from the stakeholder group are expected to include several suggestions, including a regional cap and trade program for greenhouse gas emissions, increased energy-efficiency and green building measures and reductions in vehicle miles traveled.

Utilities also expect Community Based Energy Development (CBED) to remain a prominent issue in 2008. While the concept of promoting local economic development using renewable energy resources is attractive, details on how to best do so continue to evolve.

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