By Dave Thompson
Bismarck, ND – There's a growing demand for power in the region.
And North Dakota wants to make the case that it can meet those demands.
That was the subject of a panel discussion at the Lignite Energy Council's annual meeting in Bismarck. Governor Hoeven was a panelist -- and he says North Dakota can meet those needs through lignite -- and renewables.
"We have the ability to generate the power here in North Dakota," Hoeven said. "Clearly, Minnesota and the region very much need that power."
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But panelists from Minnesota say there are roadblocks. Minnesota DFL Senator Tom Bakk is the vice-chairman of the Senate Jobs, Energy and Community Development Committee. He says Minnesota is focused on renewables -- and it will take a lot of work to convince people that more baseload production is needed.
"Renewables aren't bad," said Bakk. "They're only part of the solution. Those paper mills and mines don't shut down when the wind quits blowing."
Bakk says the key will be to convince Minnesotans that new plants will be clean -- and not "dirty old coal."