Today Senator Robert Farnsworth (R-Hibbing) successfully amended the energy omnibus bill with a bipartisan amendment recognizing the burning of wood waste as part of Minnesota’s carbon-free energy standards. This change would reduce carbon emissions by removing excess wood from storms or wood waste and turning it into an energy source.

“My amendment received bipartisan support and strengthened the bill in a way Minnesotans expect: Republicans and Democrats working together towards common-sense solutions,” Farnsworth said. “After the bill was amended with my language, I was disappointed to see Democrats laid it on the table simply because it now had bipartisan support.”

The energy omnibus bill passed out of its committee with full Republican support but was stripped of bipartisan provisions in the Finance Committee, the last stop before going to the floor.

“We were elected to work together, and I remain ready to do exactly that. Instead of accepting my bipartisan amendment, Democrats adjourned session for the weekend without passing the bill and only nine days left to pass a balanced budget,” Farnsworth concluded.