February 7, 2023, marked a new day for clean energy and climate in the North Star State when Governor Tim Walz signed Minnesota’s 100% clean electricity bill into law, committing all utilities to provide Minnesota customers with 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040.
The journey to 100%
The Fresh Energy team has been working for a long time to make 100% the law of the land in Minnesota and dedicated hundreds of hours in January and February 2023 alone to help the bill on its journey. From consulting on the policies outlined in the bill, to working with legislators to find consensus, to undertaking a sweeping and proactive public education and engagement campaign—Fresh Energy has been involved every step of the way. So as you can imagine, February 7 marked a major day of celebration for our team. But historic moments like this do not happen in a vacuum.
Minnesotans spoke up
For years, a broad coalition of advocacy groups—joined by Fresh Energy—have been collaborating to make 100% a reality. And in November 2022, Minnesotans from all corners of the state voted for climate action. From the grassroots to the grass tops, Fresh Energy has partnered with many organizations, utilities, and political and business leaders, all working together to find common ground in this effort to make 100% a reality.
Additionally, this progress wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment to energy and climate by bill authors Senator Nick Frentz and House Majority Leader Jamie Long—and all members of the Minnesota House and Senate who voted “yes” to pass 100%.
The work is just beginning
An affordable and reliable carbon-free electric supply forms the foundation for Minnesota’s work to cut carbon pollution in all sectors of our economy—including our buildings, transportation, industry, and beyond.
In the coming months, we will be working at the Minnesota Legislature to keep up the momentum set by 100% and finish the job securing state matching funds required to ensure Minnesota receives federal energy and infrastructure investments allocated to our state.
