The Minnesota Senate has 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 the 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. It 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 21 other states in creating 100% clean energy standards or goals.
“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.”
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.