CEEM disappointed in 2022 legislative session ending

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN – The 2022 Omnibus Jobs, Commerce, and Energy bill is officially dead. Governor Walz and legislative leaders announced yesterday that negotiations had not produced a compromise for a special session. That means the following policy and funding priorities which Clean Energy Economy MN (CEEM) helped shepherd into the bipartisan bill will not be passed into law:

• $20 million in Solar*Rewards
• $16 million in Weatherization Assistance Program
• $20 million in Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act Competitiveness funding to help capture billions in federal funding
• Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) modification to allow energy efficient and water improvements to agricultural land

CEEM is disappointed legislative leaders could not come to an agreement to pass this critically important funding. CEEM Executive Director Gregg Mast released the following statement:

“Important funding priorities that would enhance Minnesota’s energy independence and modernize our energy system were left on the table this year,” said Mast. “I’m particularly disappointed in the failure of the Walz-Flanagan Administration and legislature to leverage the billions in federal funding available to the state by passing the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) matching competitiveness funds. Minnesota and our citizens are missing out on this historic opportunity.”

Despite the disappointments, CEEM Director of Government Affairs George Damian says he recognizes the bipartisan work that went into the 2022 Omnibus Jobs, Commerce, and Energy Bill.

“I want to thank the work of energy chairs Rep. Jamie Long (DFL-Minneapolis) and Sen. Dave Senjem (R-Rochester) for their commitment to advancing smart energy policies that grow jobs and strengthen Minnesota’s economy. At CEEM, we understand that the disappointing end to session was about non-energy related disagreements. We’re proud of the work that went into this bill and look forward to working with House and Senate energy chairs next session,” said Damian.

###

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.