Committee rejects two 'energy choice' bills aimed at limiting local gas bans

The House Housing Finance and Policy Committee on Wednesday considered two measures described in the transcript as 'energy choice' bills that would restrict local governments from adopting rules that effectively ban natural gas or other nongrid fuel options in new construction.

Proponents, including Dave Wager, executive director of the Minnesota Propane Association, said the bills preserve consumer energy choice and improve resilience by ensuring homes have an on‑site backup fuel. "Energy choice means resiliency, reliable supply," Wager said, adding that on‑site fuels such as propane can provide heat and power during grid outages.

Opponents on the committee raised local‑control concerns and questioned whether the bills would preempt municipal zoning decisions and local building code choices. Committee discussion referenced reliability studies including a North American Electric Reliability Corporation assessment cited by a witness that warns of growing regional challenges for power reliability.

Representative Eklund moved both bills to the General Register and roll‑call votes were requested. The first motion (recorded in the transcript as moving 'House file 4.84' to the General Register) failed on a 6‑aye to 7‑nay roll call; the second similar motion (transcribed as 'House file 4.83') also failed 6‑aye to 7‑nay. In each case the clerk announced the tally and the motion did not prevail; both measures were laid over by the committee.

The transcript shows debate focused on balancing energy resilience and consumer choice against local authority to set building standards and community preferences. No final committee recommendation in favor of either measure was recorded in the hearing.