Among the groups promoting carbon capture to Minnesotans is the “Coalition for a Secure Energy Future,” which is part of the Lignite Energy Council. Lignite Energy Council tax forms show that the coal industry group has continued to receive funding for its public affairs program. Lignite Energy Council funded Republican candidates and celebrated defeat of 100% clean energy bill in MinnesotaIn prior legislative sessions, the Lignite Energy Council focused on blocking Minnesota’s 100% clean energy legislation and funded Republican candidates to ensure that the bills never passed. In addition to problems with efforts to capture carbon dioxide emissions, North Dakota coal plants remain major sources of other air pollutants – especially mercury pollution. An analysis of EPA air pollution data by the Environmental Defense Fund found that North Dakota coal plants are among the largest mercury polluters in the country.

Source: New York Times January 18, 2023 11:01 UTC