Minnesota Judge Recommends Denying Approval For Superior Power Plant

A Minnesota judge isn’t recommending approval of a roughly $700 million natural gas plant in Superior.

Minnesota Power and La Crosse-based Dairyland Power Cooperative want to build the Nemadji Trail Energy Center in Superior, which would provide up to 550 megawatts of power. They say the new plant would provide power when they aren`t able to draw from renewable energy sources like wind and solar.

The project is making its way through the state of Minnesota`s permitting process. However, Minnesota Administrative Law Judge Jeanne Cochran recommended the state`s Public Utilities Commission deny project approvals because Minnesota Power failed to demonstrate the plant is "needed and reasonable."...