Will Minnesota ban out-of-state coal-generated electricity?

From a story by Bob Geiger on Finance and Commerce:

The Minnesota Legislature’s passage of clean energy legislation in 2007 could create difficulties for Maple Grove-based Great River Energy, which fires up its third North Dakota coal-fired power plant in 2010.

At issue is whether power generated by the 99-megawatt Spiritwood Station can legally be used by Minnesota customers of Great River Energy (GRE).

Minnesota’s Next Generation Energy Act prohibits increased emissions from large power plants that generate greenhouse gases.

Language in the bill states that after Aug. 1, 2009, no person shall “import or commit to import from outside the state from a new large energy facility that would contribute to statewide power sector carbon dioxide emissions.”

The language reflects a move by national and state governments to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, to help combat global warming.

GRE, which sells power to 28 electricity cooperatives in Minnesota, says the measure doesn’t apply in this case, because energy generated from Spiritwood will be sold to the Midwest Independent Operator System, or MISO, not directly to Minnesota power co-ops.