Zero Burn Coalition Condemns PUC Vote Labeling Incineration Carbon-Free
The Zero Burn Coalition sharply criticized a Minnesota Public Utilities Commission vote that allows electricity from trash incineration and wood burning to be labeled carbon-free. The group says the decision contradicts state law, science, and environmental justice principles.
HERC incineration must not be falsely labeled clean energy
On January 15 the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved a motion asserting that electricity generated by burning woody biomass or municipal solid waste can be classified as “carbon-free” under Minnesota’s 100% Carbon-Free Law.
That decision represents a dangerous departure from science, statutory language, and environmental justice. In response to the vote, the Zero Burn Coalition issued the following statement condemning the PUC’s action:
“The PUC’s vote today is shameful and directly contradicts both science and common sense.
“Minnesota’s 100% carbon-free law clearly defines carbon-free generation as ‘a technology that generates electricity without emitting carbon dioxide’ (Minn. Stat. §216B.1691, subd. 1(b)). Every day, the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) emits massive amounts of carbon dioxide and toxic pollution in an uncontrolled manner that endangers the health of Hennepin County residents, particularly communities already overburdened by environmental harm.
“Carbon-free means carbon-free. That definition simply does not apply to trash incineration or wood-burning facilities.
“The PUC chose instead to adopt a so-called ‘life-cycle analysis’ approach, one that runs counter to legislative intent, is vulnerable to industry manipulation masquerading as science, and opens the door for incineration to be falsely labeled as clean energy.
This same approach has already undermined clean energy transitions in parts of Europe. Minnesota should not repeat those mistakes.”
The coalition warned that the consequences of the decision extend far beyond semantics.
“By passing this motion, the PUC enables facilities like HERC, one of the largest polluters in Hennepin County, to qualify for clean-energy subsidies intended for truly clean sources like wind and solar. This defies logic and directly undermines Minnesota’s 100% carbon-free mandate.
Allowing HERC to claim carbon-free credits could tip the balance toward extending its operation well beyond 2040. While commissioners suggested during today’s meeting that HERC would not qualify as carbon-free, the written decision contradicts those assurances.”
The coalition made clear that incineration should not be preserved under the guise of climate action. “HERC is dangerous and needs to be closed promptly, not handed a lifeline.”
The statement also sharply criticized Hennepin County’s role in advocating for the motion.
“The PUC and polluting industries, including, apparently, Hennepin County, are betting that the public stopped paying attention after the law passed in 2023. They are hoping this law can be quietly corrupted without accountability.
“We showed up today to make one thing clear: That is not happening.
“It is outrageous that Hennepin County is lobbying through the Partnership on Waste and Energy and investing public time and resources to advance the interests of polluting industries. These actions are precisely what have pushed our community to escalate, including the consideration of a hunger strike.”
Zero Burn Coalition is a Twin Cities-based environmental advocacy group. They are committed to fulfilling the closure of the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC).