ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton today announced his decision to appeal the recent ruling of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals recent ruling, which would strike down an essential part of Minnesota’s Next Generation Energy Act. The following is a statement from Governor Dayton:

“After consultation with the Attorney General, I have decided to appeal the recent decision from the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, which struck down an essential part of Minnesota’s Next Generation Energy Act. 

“The State Statute does not prevent anyone from building and operating a new power-generating facility. It only requires that those new emissions must be offset by the same or greater reduction in emissions from existing plants. Minnesota’s law encourages the replacement of older, more-polluting power plants with more efficient, cleaner facilities.

“I will continue to do everything in my power to defend the State of Minnesota’s right to protect the quality of the air our citizens breathe.”