Democrats refuse to legalize new nuclear and hydro, the most efficient sources of carbon-free energy

Isaac Orr, Policy Fellow at Center of the American Experiment, released the following statement in response to the passage of HF2208, the omnibus jobs and economic development, energy and climate, and telecommunications policy and finance bill:

“If House DFL members truly believe climate change is an existential crisis, why do they refuse to legalize new nuclear and large hydroelectric power plants? France, Norway, and Sweden successfully use these technologies to lower carbon dioxide emissions rates at a far lower cost than comparable countries that rely heavily on wind and solar. This bill subsidizes solar energy by tens of millions of dollars, but it can’t magically change the fact that the sun doesn’t always shine in Minnesota, and solar is an extremely inefficient source of energy.”

Isaac Orr is a policy fellow at Center of the American Experiment, where he writes about energy and environmental issues, including mining and electricity policy. Prior to joining Center of the America Experiment, Isaac served as a research fellow at The Heartland Institute, where he specialized in energy and environmental policy. Isaac has written extensively on hydraulic fracturing, frac sand mining and electricity policy, among other energy and environmental issues. His writings have appeared in The Wall Street Journal,USA Today, the New York Post, The Hill, Orange County Register, The Washington Times, and many other publications.

Center of the American Experiment is “Minnesota’s Think Tank.” For more than 25 years, the Center has been the most impactful and effective public policy organization in Minnesota, leading the way in creating and advocating policies that make Minnesota a freer, more prosperous and better-governed state. The Center is a civic and educational 501(c)(3) organization.