CEEM celebrates passage of the ECO Act

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN – Clean Energy Economy MN (CEEM) celebrates the signing of the Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) Act into Minnesota law today. Years in the making, the ECO Act was formally introduced two years ago, and since its proposal CEEM has worked with our member organizations to raise the business voice of clean energy in support. Passage of the ECO Act modernizes Minnesota’s most successful energy efficiency policy– the Conservation Improvement Program (CIP). ECO provides additional opportunities for Minnesota families and businesses to save energy, lower energy costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The ECO Act continues Minnesota’s leadership on energy efficiency and economic progress in clean energy. The improvements to CIP include reforms which will increase consumer options in how, when, and what type of energy they use. These improvements bolster Minnesota’s status as a nation-leader in energy efficiency — already ranked #9 in the US and first in the Midwest, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.[1] Further, Minnesota’s energy efficiency industry was significantly impacted by job losses due to the pandemic. The bipartisan policy leadership demonstrated in passing the ECO Act will spur jobs and help our industries and economy recover.

CEEM Executive Director Gregg Mast released this statement about the bill’s passage:

“The ECO Act ushers in a new and exciting era for Minnesota. Energy consumers will benefit by having more ways to save energy and money. Additional business opportunities and local jobs will also be created in all corners of our state. The broad and diverse coalition that supported this bill’s passage – across stakeholders and policymakers alike – is a clear testament to the significance and importance of this legislation as our state continues to move towards a clean energy future.”

CEEM also notes the bipartisan leadership in both chambers that helped pass this bill, including authorship from Senator Jason Rarick (R-Pine City) and Representative Zack Stephenson (DFL-Champlin), committee Chairs Senator David Senjem (R-Rochester) and Representative Jamie Long (DFL-Minneapolis), alongside the support of the Walz-Flanagan administration. CEEM and its members extend our thanks for bipartisan and common-sense policy leadership during a challenging legislative session.

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About Clean Energy Economy MN (CEEM): CEEM is an industry-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit representing the business case for clean energy in Minnesota. CEEM provides a unified voice for clean energy business across the state. Our mission is to provide educational leadership, collaboration, and policy analysis that accelerates clean energy market growth and smart energy policies.