ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz signed legislation into law establishing Minnesota as carbon-free in electricity production by the year 2040. At the signing ceremony, at the St. Paul Regional Labor Center, Walz emphasized provisions fir in the law for job protection in moving to new power production methods. “Minnesota will continue to lead the way on combatting climate change and we’ll create clean energy jobs in the process,” he said. “This bill is an essential investment in our future that will continue to pay off for generations to come.” Walz also emphasized that new power-generation projects will need to comply with his overarching One Minnesota goal to be sure that marginalized communities share all the benefits.
How compliance will work
The bill instructs the state Public Utilities Commission to consider these goals in authorizing new power-generation projects:
> Will high-quality jobs be created paying wages that support families?
> Will projects recognize worker rights to unionize?
> Will workers have opportunities to learn new skills in the transition to new energy technology?
> Will all Minnesotans all benefit in the new clean economy?
> Will statewide air emissions be reduced with an eye to environmental justice for marginalized communities.
> Will new electric service be available to all Minnesotans, particularly low-income consumers.
A head start on 2040 goal
Electrical utilities in Minnesota have already made significant strides toward carbon-free energy, Walz noted. He cited a study that carbon emissions fell 54% from 2005 to 2020. He noted too that utilities have sufficient planning time and flexibility to reach the 100% goal while also maintaining reliable and affordable electricity. The law specifies 80% carbon-free production by 2030 and then further reductions every 5 years to reach 100% by 2040. The bill encourages utilities to locate new power-generating facilities in communities where fossil-fuel-generating plants have been retired or are scheduled for retirement and prioritize projects that maximize local employment.