Sens. Frentz and Dziedzic Say Minnesota Takes a Transformative Step Toward a Clean Energy Future
ST. PAUL, Minn.– On Thursday, the Minnesota Senate passed the 100 Percent by 2040 Bill, which chief author Sen. Nick Frentz (DFL-North Mankato) calls transformative legislation to tackle the climate crisis and create clean energy jobs.
“The 100 Percent by 2040 legislation puts Minnesota at the forefront of sustainable energy,” Sen. Frentz said. “This legislation was years in the making, and we passed it not a moment too soon. Carbon emissions are the number one threat to the health of our planet. This bill demonstrates that Minnesota takes climate change seriously, and that we must act now to create an energy production system that is reliable, affordable, and responsible. The 100 Percent by 2040 plan empowers our energy providers to utilize the production technology of their choice, while establishing a framework for accountability to ensure we reach these critical goals on time. I want to thank the stakeholders — from the utilities, to the labor groups, to the environmental advocates — who came together to reach an agreement on this historic commitment to clean energy.”
“By putting Minnesota on the path to produce 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2040, we continue to do the work the people of Minnesota called on us to get done this session,” said Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic (DFL-Minneapolis). “Climate change is already threatening the health and economic well-being of our state, and University of Minnesota scientists tell us that Minnesota is one of the fastest-warming states in the nation. This bill will not only cut our state’s carbon emissions, it will also restore Minnesota’s leadership in clean-energy jobs and bring environmental justice considerations into the regulatory process. It’s a major and transformative step in our transition toward a clean-energy future.”
The legislation will now go to Governor Walz, who is expected to sign it into law.
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