Xcel Energy commits to zero-carbon electricity by 2050. That’s right: Zero.

Thanks to people like you, clean energy has been steadily advancing in Minnesota for more than a decade. Now it’s about to speed up in a big way.

Xcel Energy announced a plan on Dec. 4 to reduce carbon emissions 80 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2050. Renewable power has been growing in Minnesota since 2007 with the state’s first commitment to a future powered by clean energy. Renewables are now gaining momentum around the country, as states as big as California and as small as Hawaii have committed to completely getting rid of fossil fuels.

“The consequences of inaction keep getting worse, so we need to do all we can, as fast as we can,” said Environment Minnesota State Director Timothy Schaefer. “Xcel’s announcement shows that the writing’s on the wall for fossil fuels and dirty energy, while setting the bar for utilities in Minnesota and nationwide.”

This announcement is a big step forward. Now it’s time for our state to capitalize on Xcel’s commitment by setting our own goals to cut carbon and fully transition to renewable energy sources.

Photo: Xcel Energy’s coal burning power plant in Sherburne, Minnesota. Credit: Tony Webster via Wikimedia Commons CC by 2.0