Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, House and Senate DFL Energy Leads Announce Plan to Achieve 100 Percent Clean Energy in Minnesota by 2040
On Thursday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced a set of policy proposals that will lead Minnesota to 100 percent clean energy in the state’s electricity sector by 2040. The policies build on the success that Minnesota has already achieved in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and increasing the use of clean energy resources to power the state while ensuring reliable, affordable electricity.
“The time to fight climate change is now,” said Governor Walz. “Not only is clean energy the right and responsible choice for future generations, clean energy maximizes job creation and grows our economy, which is especially important as we work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. I am proud to announce a set of policy proposals that will lead Minnesota to 100% clean energy in the state’s electricity sector by 2040. Minnesotans have the ingenuity and innovation needed to power this future, and we are ready to pioneer the green energy economy.”
Photo courtesy of the Star Tribune
As Governor Walz Calls for Further Supply from Federal Government, Minnesota Launches COVID-19 Vaccine Pilot Program
On Monday, Governor Tim Walz announced that Minnesota has launched a COVID-19 vaccine pilot program in partnership with local public health and school districts. These sites will initially serve adults 65 years of age or older, as well as prekindergarten through grade 12 educators, school staff, and child care workers. The community vaccination pilot program will be the foundation for mass vaccination clinics in Minnesota communities once the federal government increases vaccine supply. The nine pilot sites launched this week with a small number of doses for eligible Minnesotans.
Governor Walz looks forward to partnering with the Biden administration on procuring more vaccines for Minnesotans. He sent a letter with other governors last week expressing frustration with the previous administration’s botched COVID-19 vaccine distribution and urged the federal government to purchase as many doses of the safe and effective vaccine as possible so states can get more shots in arms in the coming weeks.
Governor Walz Visits Long-Term Care Center, Discusses Vaccination Effort
Today, Governor Walz visited a rehabilitation and skilled nursing care center to discuss the successful vaccination effort in long-term care settings. As of Thursday, more than 203,000 Minnesotans have gotten at least their first dose of
vaccine. Nearly 42,000 Minnesotans have received both doses. The most recent data reported to the State of Minnesota shows that 43,000 individuals in long-term care settings have received a shot via our pharmacy partners.
Governor Walz Appoints Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
Governor Walz today appointed Roslyn Robertson as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). Robertson’s extensive history of leadership at DLI most recently includes her service as Temporary Commissioner. This appointment follows an application review and interview process beginning with a call for applications last fall. Robertson replaces Nancy Leppink as Commissioner for a term beginning today.
Governor Walz Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Lives Lost to COVID-19
On Monday, Governor Walz directed all flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 to remember, mourn, and honor lives lost due to COVID-19. Governor Walz encouraged all Minnesotans to light a candle in their window as a sign of remembrance and unity during these challenging times.
Governor Walz Urges Minnesotans to Download Minnesota’s COVID-19 Exposure Notification App
Now more than ever, we need your help to share the news about COVIDaware MN. As Minnesota opens up, make sure your friends & families understand their COVID-19 exposure risk. COVIDaware MN notifies you if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, and you can anonymously alert others if you test positive.
Get the COVIDaware MN app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Gov. Tim Walz pushes again for carbon-free electricity in Minnesota to avert climate crisis (Star Tribune)
- Walz says great strides made in vaccinating long-term care residents, workers (KSTP)
- Vaccine pilot program begins in Minnesota (KEYC)
- Governors, lt. governors encourage everyone to make a plan to get vaccinated (WTVQ)