McKnight Foundation Leaders Comment on Passage of 100% Clean Energy Legislation
(Minneapolis, MN – February 7, 2023) Earlier today, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed the 100% clean energy bill, a foundational piece of legislation that moves the state closer to economy-wide decarbonization by committing Minnesota utilities to provide their customers with 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2040. This is the most significant climate legislation passed in Minnesota since the Next Generation Energy Act in 2007, and across other Midwestern states, only Illinois has passed a 100% clean energy standard by legislative action.
In response, Tonya Allen, president of the McKnight Foundation, and Sarah Christiansen, program director of the Foundation’s 中西部气候与能源计划, issued the following statement:
“Today is a day of consequential climate action in Minnesota with the signing of this transformative legislation that accelerates our state’s shift to a clean energy economy. By committing to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040, Minnesota has taken a meaningful step toward increased economic prosperity for communities, reduced energy costs for our residents, and significantly lowered emissions to address the climate crisis. We are pleased to see the inclusion of a number of measures—from hiring practices to energy affordability—that seek to move the state toward the new clean energy requirements in an equitable manner.
“With this legislation, state leaders have created an enabling policy environment upon which public and private sector investment and community and stakeholder engagement can build a clean energy future that improves the lives and livelihoods of all. In the years ahead, Minnesota can become a model for how to deliver economic mobility and community vitality in the transition to clean energy.
“We are grateful to our grantee and community partners who have worked tirelessly for years to make this moment a reality, as well as those who have worked and will continue to work to ensure the voices and needs of all communities are prioritized.
“We look forward to continued partnership with colleagues in Minnesota and beyond to realize one of the most significant opportunities of our time—improving the lives of people, especially those most impacted by the climate crisis, and securing a better future by rapidly shifting away from polluting fossil fuels.”
About the McKnight Foundation: 位于明尼苏达州的家庭基金会麦克奈特基金会（McKnight Foundation）推动了人类和地球蓬勃发展的更加公正，创造性和丰富的未来。麦克奈特基金会（McKnight Foundation）成立于1953年，致力于推动中西部的气候解决方案。建立公平，包容的明尼苏达州；并支持明尼苏达州的艺术，神经科学和国际作物研究。
