Yesterday, I went on Scott Hennen’s radio show and podcast of “What’s On Your Mind.” A summary of that talk is reproduced, with permission, further below. This segment can be found here under the title “Minnesota’s ‘Natural Gas Innovation Act’ Is an Effective Gas Ban, Policy Analyst Says.” This, in turn, is based on my recent article here of “Hands off my gas! The plan to ban natural gas.”
“It’s got nothing to do with innovation and natural gas,” Darren Nelson said, adding that the law “effectively is trying to ban natural gas, certainly by 2050, but preferably from their perspective much sooner than that.”
“Would you like to know more?” Here is a list of seven of my most relevant articles regarding the coming gas ban as well as related policies and likely consequences:
Minnesota’s ‘Natural Gas Innovation Act’ Is an Effective Gas Ban, Policy Analyst Says
FARGO, ND – Minnesota state policy is pushing the state toward a dramatic shift away from natural gas, raising concerns over energy reliability and consumer costs. Speaking on Wednesday’s broadcast of “What’s On Your Mind,” Darren Nelson, a policy fellow at the Center of the American Experiment, warned that legislative efforts signed into law are laying the groundwork to eliminate natural gas usage across the state. Nelson highlighted the financial and practical implications for residential and commercial ratepayers who rely heavily on gas heating during severe winter months.
Central to the debate is the Natural Gas Innovation Act, which was passed by the Minnesota Legislature and signed by Gov. Tim Walz in 2021. Despite its title, Nelson characterized the legislation’s title as “Orwellian language” designed to phase out natural gas rather than innovate within the industry. “It’s got nothing to do with innovation and natural gas,” Nelson said, adding that the law “effectively is trying to ban natural gas, certainly by 2050, but preferably from their perspective much sooner than that.”
Replacing natural gas with electricity could carry a steep price tag for Minnesota consumers. According to Nelson, natural gas currently costs “less than a fourth” of the expense of electricity in the state for heating homes, heating water, and cooking. He noted that electric rates in Minnesota began rising significantly around 2002 following the implementation of renewable energy mandates designed to transition the power grid away from coal. Nelson argued that alternatives proposed under the law—such as geothermal heat pumps, biogas, and renewable natural gas—are ill-suited or overly expensive replacements for heating homes in northern winter climates.
The transition also highlights growing friction between energy policy goals and grid reality. While state initiatives favor transitioning consumers onto an electrical grid powered by wind and solar, Nelson pointed out that power utilities are actually relying on natural gas more than ever for electricity generation to keep the grid stable. Furthermore, while residential and commercial ratepayers face increasing pressure to electrify, industrial natural gas users currently maintain exemptions under the state’s plan.
Nelson noted that utility companies like Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy are actively navigating these regulatory mandates, with electric utilities standing to profit by expanding their customer base onto the grid. For residents concerned about rising heating costs or the potential phase-out of natural gas appliances, Nelson emphasized that public engagement remains the primary recourse. He urged Minnesotans to make their voices heard through local elected officials and public comment periods hosted by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.
Source: WZFG, The Flag
