“Deciphering Carbon-Free Energy: A Comprehensive Analysis of Minnesota’s Definition and Criteria” 

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Minnesota’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is tasked with defining which energy sources meet the state’s new climate law, which requires all electricity to come from carbon-free sources by 2040. The PUC received more than 60 comments from stakeholders, with environmental organizations arguing for only zero-emission sources to qualify and others advocating for carbon-neutral sources. The PUC has decided to delay a decision until 2025, when it will analyze the full life-cycle emissions of different energy sources. This leaves open the possibility of including wood and trash as eligible fuels. The decision highlights the complexity of defining clean energy and the need for clear guidelines to meet climate goals.