March 3, 2026
House Energy Committee Passes Bill Renaming Community Solar Garden Program for Melissa Hortman
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House Energy Finance and Policy Committee passed legislation authored by committee co-chair Rep. Patty Acomb (DFL-Minnetonka) to rename the Community Solar Garden Program for Speaker Emerita, and former Energy Committee chair, Melissa Hortman.
In 2013, Melissa Hortman authored the law that established the Community Solar Garden Program and set the state’s solar standard, leading to a dramatic increase in the state’s use of solar power and a growth in green economy jobs. As Speaker, Hortman continued to work to support the community solar program and the state’s 100% Clean Energy by 2040 goal.
“Today, we honor one of Melissa’s proudest achievements from her time as our Energy Committee chair—authoring the community solar garden program,” said Rep. Acomb. “Melissa's work on solar and clean energy helped build Minnesota into a nationwide leader in climate policy, renewable energy, and created thousands of green energy jobs in our state.”
“The Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden Program will stand as a tribute to her legacy as Minnesota's ‘godmother of solar’, her ability to get things done, and her love of the outdoors and our environment.”
The bill passed out of committee and was referred to the general register.
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