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Senate adopts 2026 omnibus energy bill after hours of amendment fights over data centers, nuclear moratorium and plug-in solar
Summary
Senate File 4504 passed 35–32 after extended debate over plug-in balcony solar, a proposed data‑center moratorium, repeal of the nuclear moratorium and hydro/biomass language. The bill advances a broad energy policy package with multiple contested amendments.
The Minnesota Senate approved an omnibus energy policy bill (Senate File 4504) on May 12, 2026, after lengthy floor debate on multiple amendments involving energy reliability, generation definitions and distributed-generation rules.
Sen. Nick FRENTZ, the bill’s sponsor, described provisions ranging from adjustments to the Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority to a ‘‘balcony solar’’ (plug‑in photovoltaic) policy intended to allow certain rated plug‑in systems and facilitate small-scale rooftop/balcony adoption. He also described technical and procedural changes related to natural-gas infrastructure financing.
Floor amendments produced several headline conflicts. Sen. Maye Quade offered an A30-2 moratorium and study on hyperscale data centers; proponents cited local planning, water and cumulative environmental impacts, while opponents said the 2025 package already addressed many concerns and stressed economic development and clean-energy commitments. The Senate President sustained a germaneness point of order against the moratorium amendment; the ruling was upheld on a roll call and the amendment did not proceed.
Sen. Chris MATHEWS’ A24 sought to repeal the state nuclear moratorium; proponents argued new small modular reactor technologies and baseload needs justify reopening the option, while opponents pointed to spent-fuel burdens (notably Prairie Island) and past canceled projects that raised costs for ratepayers. The A24 amendment failed on a roll call (32–35).
A25 (remove 100‑MW cap on hydro used in clean-energy accounting) and A31 (expand definitions of biomass/wood-waste eligible for partial carbon credit) were debated and rejected after roll calls. Plug‑in (balcony) solar generated detailed safety and code discussion: Sen. Kupec defended the measure and its adoption of UL 3700 certification as the safety standard; Sen. Rarick and several electrical-inspection voices warned the technology is nascent and that interconnection and National Electrical Code (NEC) issues remain unresolved. An amendment (A27) seeking to strike the plug‑in solar section was offered but did not pass.
Supporters of the omnibus pointed to jobs, local economic development (including county tax roll impacts in rural counties), and measures intended to protect low-income electricity users. Opponents warned the state is retiring dispatchable generation faster than it is being replaced and cautioned about reliability risks as more intermittent resources are added.
The Secretary reported final passage of SF 4504 as amended by roll call: 35 yeas and 32 nays. The bill will now proceed as required by legislative process (transmission to the other body or conference as necessary).
