Minn. committee blocks move to abolish energy goal

A Republican candidate for governor's push to undo a renewable energy standard for Minnesota utilities has ended in defeat.

A Minnesota House committee voted along party lines against a bill by Rep. Marty Seifert. It would have replaced a requirement approved in 2007 that power companies generate at least a quarter of their power from renewable sources by 2025. In its place he would have put a "good-faith objective."

The bill was notable because Seifert voted with 122 other House members to enact the standard while Rep. Tom Emmer, his main rival for the GOP gubernatorial endorsement, was opposed three years ago. Seifert acknowledged that the earlier vote had become an issue in his race, but he said his legislation was also aimed at getting an understanding of the costs behind the mandate.

The committee vote dooms the bill for the year, but Seifert says he would push the same concept if elected governor.