100 Worst Polluters In MN: Stillwater-Area Power Plant Makes List

BAYPORT, MN — One of the worst greenhouse gas polluters in Minnesota is located in the Stillwater area, according to a new report.

The Star Tribune on Wednesday published a story that documents the 100 worst greenhouse gas polluters in the state. Xcel Energy’s Allen S. King power plant in Bayport was ranked as the fourth-worst greenhouse gas polluter in the state, according to the Star Tribune’s report.

The King plant sits idle six months each year, after the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved a request from Xcel to operate it seasonally, along with the Unit 2 of the Sherburne County Station.

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Xcel Energy estimated the partial closure of the plants would reduce greenhouse gas emission by up to 4.1 million tons in 2020, with emissions to drop by up to 7.3 million tons by 2023, according to the Public Utilities Commission.

The commission said a decrease that large would account for about 20-25 percent of the statewide goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 23 million tons per year, bringing the state into compliance with its statutes.

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Those statutes require Minnesota to its reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent, based on 2005 levels, the commission said.

The Allen S. King coal-fired plant is due to close in 2028, with Xcel planning to replace the more than 500 megawatts of power it generates with wind and solar power, StCroix360.com reported.

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In 2019, Minnesota's 100 worst polluters added 40 million metric tons of greenhouse gases into Earth's atmosphere, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

See the entire list at the Star Tribune.

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