Gov. Dalrymple says if Minnesota energy regulators require utilities to pay more to burn coal it will hamper North Dakota's growing lignite industry, which already provides a large share of Minnesota's electric power. Regulators here imposed higher costs on coal-burners as part of a plan to require utilities to generate a quarter of their energy from renewable sources by 2024.

A consortium of six North Dakota utilities and coal mining companies is chipping in $500,000 to fight Minnesota's ban on energy generated by burning coal. The state's Industrial Commission filed the original lawsuit. The North Dakota legislature is also committing funds for the legal challenge.

North Dakota is suing to force the state of Minnesota to drop restrictions on coal-generated electricity, but big utility companies here have already conformed to the rules and say they're not interested.

Minnesota Power says it wants to further study the environmental benefits and economic impacts. The Department of Commerce recommends closing at least three of utility's coal-burning plants by 2016. Each unit is more than 50 years old. Environmental groups have also urged closing the coal power plants, while industrial users want state regulators to disregard the advice.

Minnesota's Department of Commerce recommends closing Minnesota Power’s five oldest coal-fired power plants by 2020 to save consumers money. The Duluth News Tribune reports environmental groups have also sent letters urging the Public Utilities Commission to close the plants to reduce emissions.

The Post Bulletin reports Rochester Public Utilities officials could decide to shut down some or all of the generators. Another option is converting the generators from coal to natural gas. RPU just completed a nearly $40 million upgrade to keep its newest generator in compliance with new EPA regulations.