US ELECTIONS: GOP appears to hold Minnesota Senate, a check on energy targets

Minnesota appeared poised to keep the state Senate in Republican hands, an outcome that would check efforts to join states with 100% clean energy goals.

Democratic Governor Tim Walz pushed for 100% clean energy goals in 2019, a year in which Minnesota produced about 31% of its wholesale electricity from coal, but his plan required legislative approval.

With 96% or more precincts reporting in nearly all races, Republicans were poised to have a two-seat majority if results hold, according to the Star Tribune website. However, winners were not yet called in all races by The Associated Press.

The 2020 election featured a competitive battle for the chamber, where Republicans held control 35 to 32. All 67 seats were up for grabs.

The House appeared to remain under Democratic control with a tightened, two-seat majority. Democrats went into the election with a wider margin in the House, holding a 75 to 59 majority.

Minnesota is also among the nation's top-five ethanol producers, and about 30% of all US crude oil imports flow through the state.

Twenty-nine states have mandatory renewable portfolio standards, And, according to the group Advanced Energy Economy, 10 states have 100% clean energy goals and another five have 100% renewable energy targets.