SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – The Minnesota House of Representatives advanced the energy and commerce budget bill on a vote of 70-64.
The Climate and Energy portion of the budget puts Minnesota on a path to achieve 100 percent clean energy in the electricity sector by 2040. It improves energy efficiency goals, strengthens the renewable energy preference, and updates state emissions targets to align with the latest scientific projections. The bill delivers critical funding to help reach these ambitious goals, including nearly $20 million to install solar energy systems on school buildings, state-owned buildings, and in state parks; $10 million to create a nonprofit Innovative Finance Authority to leverage private investment in clean energy; and $5.5 million to expand a solar manufacturing plant in Mountain Iron, which would make it the second largest in the nation. These investments will accelerate the transition to clean energy while helping Minnesotans save money on their electricity bills.
“This bill is about ensuring Minnesota is leading the transition to a clean energy economy,” said Rep. Jamie Long (DFL – Minneapolis), chair of the House Climate and Energy Finance and Policy Committee. “Seizing our opportunity to make a rapid and equitable transition to clean energy will create good-paying jobs and affordable energy and address the threat of climate change. We do this while making sure all Minnesotans – especially those most impacted by climate change – can access these benefits.”
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