CEEM in the News

The organization Clean Energy Economy Minnesota is out with a new report, noting around the state, jobs supporting resources such as solar energy or electric vehicles grew overall by nearly 3.5% last year. Nearly 60,000 Minnesotans work in the clean energy sector.

Clean Energy Economy MN (CEEM) will be presenting the 2023 Clean Energy Legislative Champion Award to Sen. Frentz on Wed. Aug. 23 for his leadership during the 2023 session. Presenting this award to Sen. Frentz will provide an opportunity to recognize the his significant contributions and policy achievements driving the state’s economic growth via clean energy.

Amelia Cerling Hennes, managing director of the group Clean Energy Economy Minnesota, said the nation’s current grid system is old, and was not designed for the newer approach to powering up cars, homes and businesses.

Gov. Tim Walz signed more than 40 climate initiatives that will spend hundreds of millions of dollars over the next several years to promote solar energy, electric vehicles, battery storage, heating and cooling electrification, transmission, sustainable building materials, weatherization, and other technologies.

The package of bills passed this year is nothing short of transformative for Minnesota’s energy industry. Starting with the passage of the 100% carbon-free energy by 2040 law, there was a clear commitment to advancing Minnesota’s goals to be a national leader in the race toward a cleaner energy future.

Winona has much to be proud of when it comes to this beautiful, old river city. But a crown jewel for this town is the knowledge and history that resides with the oldest member of the Minnesota State College system — Winona State University.

“That’s all about investing in nurturing and creating an ecosystem in Minnesota that supports clean energy and provides new financing mechanisms for clean tech,” said Amelia Cerling Hennes with Clean Energy Economy MN.

Wind and solar power deliver a huge economic boost for local economies. These projects create jobs, both during construction and the long-term operation and maintenance of the facilities.

The report, from Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM) and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) found that zero-carbon power represented 55 percent of the state’s electricity last year, surpassing the national average by 14 percent. According to the report, 2022 was the third year zero-carbon power was the majority of the state’s electricity.