House passes energy "lights-on" budget bill after floor debate on data centers, RDA and nuclear

House File 2442, an act relating to energy and funding for energy and renewable development account programs, passed the Minnesota House on third reading after extended floor debate on the state’s energy priorities.

Representative Jessica Acum, a Hennepin County representative and co-chair of the House Energy Committee, opened debate by describing HF2442 as a “lights-on” budget bill that preserves several recent advances in Minnesota’s renewable-energy transition and adheres to committee targets. She said the committee could not include every policy request this session but said the bill protects prior gains and keeps state government operating.

The debate moved to substantive policy differences. Representative Loren Swazinski (Lyon) framed HF2442 as a compromise that should move to conference, arguing the bill missed opportunities such as broader net-metering reform and lifting the moratorium on new nuclear construction. “This bill is a lights on Bill,” Swazinski said, urging members to vote to send it to conference so the policy can evolve.

Several DFL members and committee participants pushed in the other direction.…