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After not getting anything done regarding energy in last year’s legislative session, the rapid pace and sheer volume of the accomplishments this year will be felt for many years to come. The Minnesota Legislature built upon key federal legislation and has set the table for the clean energy economy to explode across the state.

We expect to see final budget details from the Environment and Energy Conference Committee as soon as Friday afternoon. Watch our social media for the most up-to-date information on what is happening at the Capitol.

The bills composing the state budget have passed the Houe & Senate and now the differences will be hammered out in Conference Committees. Unprecedented levels of funding and favorable policies for clean energy and energy efficiency programs are positioned well to be included in a final budget package.

Competitiveness Fund: On Tuesday following the legislative break, the Senate passed the bill to set up a Competitiveness Fund ($115M) for the state to compete for the federal funding available in the IIJA and IRA bills.

Bills continue to fly through the legislative process and committees now have budget targets to begin putting together their omnibus proposals. Federal matching funds passed the House Floor on Thursday and should be on the Senate Floor soon.

CEEM was thrilled to testify alongside authors Sen. Tou Xiong and Rep. Larry Kraft in support of SF2249/HF2524 as amended, which will support the formalization of Minnesota Energy Alley.

After passing the 100% Clean Energy by 2040 bill, the work in the clean energy space has continued, moving important legislation to bring federal investment to Minnesota through matching funds, modernizing building codes and a host of solar-related bills.

Signed into law: On Tuesday, February 7, Governor Walz signed into law 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. CEEM celebrated the passage of this long-time priority of the clean energy community with the Governor and dozens of other supporters at a signing ceremony.

Catch up quick: 100% Bill: The session is off to a breakneck pace including proposals to hasten Minnesota’s clean energy transition, including the passage of the 100% clean energy by 2040 bill in the House on Thursday, and it is expected to hit the Senate Floor next week. Budget: Once that bill is signed into law, Governor Walz’s budget lays out an aggressive clean energy agenda that we can expect to guide much of the discussion around energy efficiency and clean energy around the Capitol for the remainder of this session.