As you are probably aware, there’s a lot of talk going around about energy policy in Minnesota these days.
And for good reason! The clean energy industry remains one of the fastest growing sectors of the Minnesota economy these days. Moreover, advances in the field of clean energy technology are making it the lowest cost choice for generating electricity here in Minnesota. In other words, we in Minnesota have the opportunity to transition to a clean energy future while growing our economy at the same time.
Which is why I was so excited to learn about Governor Tim Walz’s new Path to Clean Energy proposal that he announced on Monday, March 4th. The proposal is a bold but still pragmatic legislative package that would put Minnesota on a path to 100% clean energy by 2050. The proposal would get there by requiring utilities to prioritize saving energy through efficiency upgrades while investing in clean energy sources over conventional fossil fuel when a utility purposes a project to generate new electricity.
The proposal would also contain help for low-income households to make their dwellings more energy efficient.
Some might claim that this idea is unworkable, but the evidence is clear that transitioning to 100% clean energy is totally within our grasp. After all, Xcel Energy recently voluntarily pledged to go carbon-free in terms of generating electricity by 2050. This new proposal would expand that vision to all utilities here in Minnesota, while raising the energy efficiency standards for all investor-owned utilities and finding ways to conserve energy. All while making sure nobody gets left behind in our transition to a clean energy future.
If you’re excited about this proposal, and I know I am, I urge you to take some time to thank Governor Walz for introducing this exciting new package and ask your state legislators to support these bills.
Feel free to contact me at 612.767.1571 or johna@conservationminnesota.orgif you have any questions or would like to get involved!