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Xcel Energy said today the Minneapolis-based utility plans to retire its two remaining coal plants in the Upper Midwest by 2030, a decade earlier than scheduled, bringing praise from environmental groups.
The company also announced plans to expand wind and solar energy, use cleaner natural gas, and operate its carbon-free nuclear plant in Monticello, Minnesota, until at least 2040. That would extend by a decade the life of the nuclear plant, currently scheduled to be retired in 2030, the Star Tribune reported. Extending use of the Monticello nuclear plant will require state and federal approval.
Xcel said the utility reached an agreement with environmental and labor groups on key parts of the company's coal, solar and natural gas plans. The utility has a goal of delivering 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050.
Supporters of abortion rights are set to rally at the Nebraska Capitol as part of a national campaign responding to states that have passed new abortion restrictions.
The free public event is set for noon Tuesday at the Nebraska Capitol and will include representatives of the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska and Planned Parenthood as well as state lawmakers. It's sponsored by those groups and the Women's Fund of Omaha.
The rally will take place beneath the Nebraska Capitol rotunda on the building's second floor if it rains.
