American utility, Xcel Energy Inc. has announced the company will eliminate all fossil fueled power plants by 2050. Xcel Energy is a major utility holding company that is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company provides electrical services to 3.3 million customers across the United States. Xcel Energy is the parent company for Northern States Power-Minnesota, Northern States Power-Wisconsin, Public Service Company of Colorado, and Southwestern Public Service Co.

Xcel is the first major utility in the United States to commit to the elimination of all fossil fuel plants. The company’s commitment applies to all its operations in Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin. Clean energy advocates applauded Xcel’s announcement. Mary Anne Hitt, senior director of the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal, said : “Xcel Energy’s announcement is proof that getting serious about cutting pollution and investing in clean energy is smart for business, local economies, and jobs.”

In my opinion, the economic advantages of renewable energy alone would justify Xcel eliminating all fossil fuel plants at a faster pace. However, I do applaud Xcel Energy’s commitment and I also applaud the Sierra Club’s support for the announcement.

In my opinion, it will take collaboration between state and federal governments, the private sector and all environmental groups to make real progress in the reduction in greenhouse gases. Factions oppose hydropower because it destroys a type of ecosystem, while others oppose wind farms because it spoils the natural beauty of the countryside.

In my opinion, open and civil discussion is required to complete the Herculean task of moving America from a fossil fueled economy to a renewable energy economy. Polarizing, hate filled rhetoric will only be an impediment to our environment and the continued development of our country.