Legislative Update: The good, the bad, and the "needs improvement"
The 2019 legislative deadline of May 20 is quickly approaching! The next stage involves discussion of both House and Senate respective policy packages. The package of bills cover an array of policies and are called the omnibus (cue dramatic music!). The omnibus bills have very different implications for clean energy.
Minnesota House
The House Energy Omnibus Bill (HF1833 DE– as introduced) was discussed the last week of March in the House Energy & Climate Committee. The bill includes significant clean energy policies, including:
- Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan’s goal for 100% Clean Energy by 2050
- Includes expansions to the conservation improvement plans across energy providers
- Customer energy data access
- Expansion and clarification of Minnesota’s community solar programs
- Stretch energy efficiency codes in commercial buildings
Benjamin, CEEM’s Director of Policy & Public Affairs, testified in support of the bill in committee.
Minnesota Senate
The Senate Omnibus Bill (SF1692 DE– as introduced) is being discussed the first week of April in the Energy and Utilities Committee. The bill includes significant changes to conservation improvement programs for member-owned cooperative utilities, and a severe restructuring of community solar, both of which lower certainties for clean energy businesses.
Positives include:
- Revolving loan fund for electric vehicle charging infrastructure
- Establishing a green roof task force
Both bills support important policies with bi-partisan support, including CEEM-supported bills on:
- Energy storage
- Improvements to commercial sector property assessed clean energy (PACE) financing
Stay tuned for timely updates as the bills progress.