N.D. wants Minn. lawmakers to repeal carbon regulations

North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem will be monitoring the Minnesota Legislature to see what happens with a law some believe threatens North Dakota coal-fired electricity exports.

The 2007 law will make it more expensive for Minnesota utilities to buy electricity from power sources that generate carbon dioxide, starting in 2012.

North Dakota officials say that's an unconstitutional restriction on business between states. North Dakota has been poised for months to sue Minnesota.

Stenehjem tells The Forum newspaper he wants to see if a realignment of the Minnesota Legislature results in the law being repealed. Minnesota Rep. Morrie Lanning of Moorhead says he thinks that's possible, with both chambers of the Legislature soon to be controlled by Republicans.

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Information from: The Fargo Forum

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