State on track to meet emissions goals

by Stephanie Hemphill, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Minnesota is roughly on track to meet its goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

That's the gist of a report the Pawlenty administration will make to the legislature Thursday.

The report says Minnesota's greenhouse gas emissions peaked in 2005.

But 2006 is the last year for which figures are available. And there's no clear explanation of how the state reduced its emissions.

The report also outlines further legislation wanted by the Pawlenty administration to address climate change.

On the 46 recommendations made by last year's Climate Change Advisory Group, Gov. Pawlenty says many items need further study, others might be implemented with federal stimulus money.

Virtually the only legislation the report calls for is repeal of the state's prohibition on expansion of nuclear power.

The report will be made to the Senate Energy Committee.