ST. PAUL — House Democrats on Monday approved an environment and energy omnibus package (H.F. 2310) which increases costs on everything from utility bills to hunting and fishing, boating, and visiting state parks.
Overall, the net general fund spending the for climate and energy section of the bill represents a 513% increase over the current base funding and a 2,286% growth of the Renewable Development Account. The environment portion raises millions of dollars in fees – despite the state enjoying a $17.5 billion surplus.
Energy mandates mean price increases
“Every decision the state makes related to energy policy should be through the lens of providing greater affordability, reliability and safety,” said House Republican energy lead Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent. “This bill does the opposite, with mandates to drive up energy costs, unnecessary or complicated regulations and subsidies for the richest Minnesotans to purchase expensive electric vehicles.
“The millions of dollars in new taxes and fees included in this bill are completely unnecessary to balance our budget and only serve to make life unaffordable for everyday Minnesotans. It is unjustifiable for Democrats to want to raise energy costs at a time when the state has a historic surplus and Minnesota family budgets already are stretched thin by today’s higher prices.”
The bill also imposes “energy benchmarking” mandates on owners of commercial buildings with 50,000 or more square feet. Property owners would be required to log the building’s energy use, with the Department of Commerce then required to publish online the address, total energy use, energy use intensity, greenhouse gas emissions, and an energy performance score. Swedzinski said the author of this provision freely admits this process would shame property owners into efficiency and endorses this practice of “green shaming.”
Environment Budget Makes Minnesota Less Competitive and More Expensive
“It is unnecessary and harmful for Democrats to raise $36 million in new fees at a time when Minnesota has a record surplus,” said House Republican Environment Committee Lead, Rep. Josh Heintzeman (R-Nisswa). “Raising fees for fishing, boating, and more will make it that much more difficult for Minnesotans to enjoy the great outdoors.”
Democrats are also seeking to implement complicated new air regulations in the 7-county metro and all major regional centers. Complicating the air permitting process will drive businesses out of Minnesota and discourage expansion.
“These complicated new air regulations won’t do anything to improve air quality and will result in tremendous uncertainty for businesses that need permits,” added Heintzeman. “The uncertainty these regulations create will cause businesses to look elsewhere to build, expand, and grow.”
The bill passed the House along party lines and now is in the hands of the Senate.
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