Saint Paul, Minn. – Today the Minnesota House of Representatives passed transformative legislation that will tackle the climate crisis and create good jobs. House File 7 establishes new clean energy goals for the state and puts Minnesota on a path to produce 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. Representative Josiah Hill (DFL - Stillwater) voted for the bill and released the following statement:
“We must act now and decisively to combat climate change if we are to create a stable future for our children,” said. Rep. Josiah Hill. “Not only will this bill reduce Minnesota’s carbon emissions, but it emphasizes the need to focus on the creation of local industry and jobs. This is critical as we transition so that no worker is left behind. I am proud to support this legislation which will make Minnesota a climate leader.”
In 2007, a DFL House, DFL Senate, and a Republican Governor enacted the Next Generation Energy Act, which sought to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% from 2005 levels by 2050. According to a 2021 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) report, the state is not on track to meet its clean energy goals, with emissions declining just eight percent from 2005 levels. Twenty-one other states have already established a 100% clean-energy standard or goal.
The same bill is advancing in the Minnesota Senate, where it passed the Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate Committee on Jan. 25. Gov. Walz included the same policy in his budget proposal for fiscal years 2024-2025, and has included the policy in past budget proposals. According to the University of Minnesota, the state of Minnesota is one of the fastest-warming states in the nation.
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