History
The Metro Emissions Reduction Project took an environmental step forward by converting the Xcel Highbridge Plant from coal to natural gas. This led to an environmental step backward when Rock-Tenn lost its steam energy and began burning fuel oil and natural gas in 2007.
The Minnesota State Legislature, St. Paul City Officials, Rock-Tenn, and community advocates were committed to finding a better alternative to save Rock-Tenn and its 500 Union Jobs. The Legislature allocated $4 million to study renewable energy options for Rock-Tenn and assigned the Saint Paul Port Authority to manage the study. The Saint Paul Port Authority convened the Rock-Tenn Community Advisory Panel (RCAP) to advise, including membership from District Councils, other neighborhood groups, the Midway Chamber of Commerce, the Union and at-large community membership. RCAP has been meeting since August 2007.
Rock-Tenn Projected Timeline 2007-2011
2007-2008 Project Task Timeline
Updated Study Timeline - June 2008
Rock-Tenn Community Advisory Panel Outline
The Legislation (MN Session Laws 2007 - Chapter 57, Senate File 2096)
House Floor Transcript SF 2096 5-1-07
Senate Floor Transcript SF 2041 4-10-07
Xcel Energy's Metropolitan Emission Reduction Proposal
2007 Minnesota State Statute 216B.1691 Eligible Energy Technology