 The associated contract loggers and truckers of Minnesota have sued to block closure of a biomass power plant in Benson. The plant burns wood chips and turkey litter. The lawsuit filed Thursday in Cass County says a shutdown would hurt the environment and cost jobs. The legislature authorized Excel Energy to cancel its power purchase agreements with biomass plants in Benson, Virginia, and Hibbing. Excel is now asking the Public Utilities Commission for final approval, saying it would save consumers money. The lawsuit asked the court to order a study of the environmental impacts of closing the Benson plant, which calls it an important market for wooden waste. Excel declined comment on the lawsuit, but said it wants to replace expensive energy from those plants with something more affordable. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.