Margaret Levin, Margaret.Levin@sierraclub.org, 651-261-2713
Jessica Tritsch, jessica.tritsch@sierraclub.org, 612-963-9642
St Paul -- Today, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced their “One Minnesota Path to Clean Energy,” calling for legislative action on climate by transitioning to clean energy in the way we generate electricity. The Walz administration outlined a set of policy proposals that build upon Minnesota’s success reducing our reliance on fossil fuels while growing Minnesota clean energy jobs. The proposals include:
-
100% Carbon-Free Electricity by 2050 - requiring Minnesota electric utilities to use only carbon-free resources by 2050
-
Clean Energy First - strengthens Minnesota’s existing preference for clean energy over fossil fuels when utilities are meeting new electricity needs
-
Energy Optimization - expanding upon Minnesota’s vital Conservation Improvement Project to increase energy efficiency, develop innovative new programs for customers to help electrify our economy, and target energy saving assistance for low-income households
-
Clean Energy Jobs - supporting communities and workers affected by transition away from fossil fuels and prioritizing local jobs and prevailing wages for large new clean energy projects
In response, Sierra Club North Star Chapter Director Margaret Levin released the following statement:
“Now is the time for us to move forward with a just and equitable transition to 100% clean energy for all Minnesotans, starting with the way we generate electricity. Today we are cheering Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan’s bold leadership in setting a clear vision and urgent first steps to protect our climate, increase local family-supporting jobs and ensure this transition benefits all communities and families across the state.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.