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Minnesota to receive 100% of its energy from carbon-free sources by 2040

Feb 3, 2023

Nick Abraham, nabraham@lcv.org, 206-833-7021

Saint Paul, MN – Yesterday just before midnight, the Minnesota Senate passed SF 4, the 100% Clean Energy bill. The landmark legislation will help the state reach 100% carbon-free energy by 2040. The Minnesota House of Representatives passed the companion bill last week, and legislation will now go to the Governor’s desk for final signing.

The 100% Clean Energy proposal has been a pillar of Governor Walz’s climate change initiative for the last three years. The bill comes after climate champion Democrats won a majority in the state senate last November. This is an important step towards making Minnesota the best place in the country to raise a family.

The historic legislation requires all Minnesota electric utilities to use only carbon-free energy by 2040. Carbon-free energy may be produced by renewable sources like solar, wind, hydroelectric, and nuclear power. The plan sets five-year benchmarks to ensure reliable, affordable electricity to Minnesota residents and businesses—80% by 2030, 90% by 2035, and 100% by 2040. The bill also provides provisions to streamline siting and routing for clean energy systems and updates definitions for renewable energy sources. Upon enactment, Minnesota would join 15 other states committed to 100% clean electricity.

“Now that the Minnesota Senate has passed the 100% Clean Energy bill, it’s time to celebrate the biggest action ever to address the climate crisis. We applaud Governor Walz and the bill authors in the House and Senate for their unwavering commitment and swift action this session to reducing dangerous pollution and protecting our Great Outdoors,” said Paul Austin, Executive Director of Conservation Minnesota. “The 100% Clean Energy bill leverages our current momentum towards carbon-free energy while ensuring reliable and affordable energy for all Minnesotans.”

“Minnesota just told the country loud and clear that momentum for climate action shows no signs of slowing,” said Bill Holland, Vice President of State Policy and Advocacy of LCV. “Congress took a historic step forward last summer with the largest investment in clean energy in our history. Minnesota’s action demonstrates that state and city leaders are ready to build on that climate success and invest in local solutions that benefit their communities.”

Conservation Minnesota is a nonprofit organization committed to protecting people and places from the adverse impacts of pollution and climate change while ensuring that everyone who calls Minnesota home has access to the Great Outdoors and opportunities to enjoy it.  

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