Last chance for public comment on CO2 reduction plan

Public comments are due Monday on a federal plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the nation's power plants to address climate change.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposed rules are aimed at reducing carbon emissions 30 percent by 2030.

But each state has its own specific target. Minnesota would likely have to reduce emissions from its power plants by more than a third.

Retiring coal-fired power plants or repowering them with natural gas could be one option for Minnesota. Next year, Xcel Energy is expected to announce future plans for its largest coal-fired power plant in the state, the Sherburne County Generating Station.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has said the proposed target is reachable. Officials are expected to release details in comments submitted to the EPA.

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