Minnesota Defers OK For Permit Linked To North Dakota Coal-Fired Power Plant Deal

CBS Minnesota

September 10, 2021

Regulators told a Minnesota-based utility Thursday that they need more information before signing off on a permit transfer necessary for a financially troubled coal-fired power plant in North Dakota to be sold to a Bismarck-based marketer of wholesale electricity.

Minnesota’s Public Utilities Commission voted 4-1 to defer a decision on a permit transfer for a power line that would be part of the planned sale of the Coal Creek Station. John Tuma, the commissioner who asked for the delay, said he expects the approval process could be held up a couple more months though he was uncertain about the specific timeline.

Environmental groups that would rather see the plant shut down argued against the permit transfer, which was sought by Maple Grove, Minnesota-based Great River Energy. They argued that the process lacked transparency and public engagement by stakeholders. Around 800 public comments were filed in the case.

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