Governor Dayton Declares March 22 as ‘Clean Energy Business Day’
Clean energy businesses share job creation stories with legislators
ST. PAUL, MINN. – Governor Mark Dayton delivered a proclamation that declares today, March 22, 2018 as Clean Energy Business Day. The proclamation coincides with Clean Energy Business Day at the Capitol – an advocacy day for business owners, clean energy workers and advocates. Over the past year, the clean energy industry has enjoyed explosive growth – adding more than 600 megawatts of renewable energy in 2017 – all of this, despite uncertain federal policy.
“Clean energy businesses employ 57,351 Minnesotans, as of 2016, with wages 42 percent higher than the statewide average,” reads Governor Dayton’s proclamation “Minnesota’s nation-leading clean energy policies have established a unique competitive advantage for innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses to deliver value-added products and services growing Minnesota’s clean energy markets.”
To learn more about the different types of clean energy jobs in Minnesota, watch and read the Names Behind the Numbers | Minnesota profile series.
“The clean energy industry continues to play a major role in Minnesota’s economy,” said DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy. “I applaud the work done by Clean Energy Economy Minnesota. Their leadership ensures that this industry will continue to grow, all while preserving and protecting the environment our state is known for.”
“Minnesota is a stand out when it comes to launching successful clean energy businesses that both create well-paying jobs – and are helping build a clean energy economy,” said Clean Energy Economy MN Executive Director Gregg Mast. “Today’s Clean Energy Business Day is about sharing these success stories with legislators – and asking that we build on this momentum. To ensure Minnesota continues to create jobs and attract investment in this fast-growing sector, our state’s leaders should advance policies that further increase opportunities for growth and innovation in the energy efficiency and clean energy industry.”
“Forward-looking energy policies established a decade ago have effectively allowed Minnesota to be a leader in businesses that profit from working on renewable energy projects. From engineering to construction and everything in-between, businesses small and large now comprise a very robust employment sector in Minnesota,” said Wind on the Wires Executive Director Beth Soholt. “These businesses employ thousands of hard-working men and women across our state and they provide good, family-supporting jobs. The more Minnesota invests in the clean, renewable energy sector, the more benefits we will enjoy together. Low-cost renewable energy that we can harvest right here at home is just smart for Minnesota.”
“USGBC and our members are excited to talk with legislators about the importance to Minnesota’s economy of energy efficiency and the clean energy sector. We want to be a resource to inform policy makers about the benefits of the industry and to keep this important topic on the forefront,” said U.S. Green Building Council Regional Director Sheri Brezinka.
“The Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) serves its business members as the voice of the Minnesota solar industry, and is excited to partner with other clean energy business groups to showcase the excellent work of its solar members to contribute to the Minnesota economy in a meaningful way,” said MnSEIA Communications Director & General Counsel Liz Lucente. “In 2018 we look forward to reaching one gigawatt of solar installations statewide: this is no small feat and is owing to Minnesota policies promoting and encouraging solar development alongside our industry’s effort to create and maintain family-supporting jobs and enhance the State’s $2 billion solar economy.”
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About Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM): CEEM is an industry-led, non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening Minnesota’s clean energy business ecosystem. 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.
About Wind on the Wires (WOW): Wind on the Wires is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, Minn., that works to advance renewable energy in the Midwest. Its members are comprised of wind and solar developers, environmental organizations, tribal representatives, public interest groups, clean energy advocates, farm groups and businesses providing goods and services to the wind and solar industries.
About U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC): USGBC is committed to a prosperous, healthy and sustainable future through its LEED green building certification program, robust educational offerings, nationwide network of local members, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that support cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings and communities. USGBC serves a diverse marketplace and its LEED green building program is the foremost program for green building in the world – saving money for families, businesses and taxpayers, reducing carbon emissions, and contributing to a healthier environment.
About Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA): MnSEIA is a 501©6 trade association that serves as the voice of the Minnesota solar industry. Representing over one hundred-member companies, MnSEIA pursues its mission to move Minnesota solar forward through active engagements at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, the Minnesota Legislature, and in agency matters.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 22, 2018
Contact: Amelia Cerling Hennes
ahennes@cleanenergyeconomymn.org | 507.251.5140
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