Statement from Rep. Duane Quam, R-Byron, on the Omnibus Energy bill passed by the Minnesota House last night. Quam serves on the Minnesota House Energy Committee.
“House Democrats continue to target hardworking taxpayers to advance their out-of-touch agenda, creating a gigantic unfunded mandate that will cause higher energy bills for all Minnesotans. The unprecedented 40% renewable standard contained in this bill, paired with the unrealistic solar requirement on energy providers, will have devastating and lasting implications for southeastern Minnesota. Retired and fixed-income families will be forced to subsidize the wealthy who can afford to install these solar panels on their homes. The bill picks winners and losers, and the losers are rural homeowners, those on fixed-incomes, the poor and businesses who will have more expensive, less reliable energy."