250 MW of clean energy coming downstream

Maybe some folks think I’m out to choke out the upper Midwest’s power supply after last week’s column in which I once again criticize the Mesaba Energy Project, that boondoggle coal gas power plant pushed by lobbyists here on the Iron Range. Not so, my business friends. In fact, my arguments fall squarely in line with the state’s largest power companies and the chamber of commerce. They also echo the region’s progressive community and most of the credible environmental movement. In fact, my mail on last week’s column was entirely supportive and split right down the middle between liberals and conservatives. So riddle me this. How bad is a project that unites virtually all the hippies and most of the robber barons?

One more note, huzzah and good fortunes to the folks at Minnesota Power and Manitoba Hydro for negotiating a deal to send 250 MW of new, clean hydroelectric energy from Canada to Minnesota to fill our aching grid, and at an extremely low price. Joining the mix will be wind power generated on the east Range and expansions at other MP plants in the region — all of which will be done without generating any new carbon emissions. Tell me again why we need a 450 MW money-eating coal burner underwritten by the taxpayers that might not work, have a customer or ever make a profit?

Jobs? Hell, we’ll need 150 lawyers to sort out this mess before it’s done, so there’s your jobs. In truth a small group of people stand to make some money. Or get votes. But mostly make money. Remain vigilant, Iron Range.

Speak Your Mind

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.