Rep. Jamie Long receives Clean Energy Legislative Champion Award

CEEM recognizes Rep. Long for his significant clean energy leadership

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. – Clean Energy Economy MN (CEEM) presented its 2019 Clean Energy Legislative Champion Award to Representative Jamie Long (DFL-Minneapolis) Monday evening at the PACE Loan Group offices in downtown Minneapolis.

Rep. Long showed exemplary leadership on all things relating to clean energy during the 2019 Minnesota legislature. In addition to leading the effort to pass 100% Clean Energy policy in the House, Rep. Long also championed the CEEM-supported Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing program.

“Rep. Long is extremely well-versed in the energy policy sector. We couldn’t ask for a more thoughtful and articulate champion to help grow Minnesota’s clean energy sector and help us achieve our vision for a clean energy economy. We also appreciate Rep. Long’s commitment to working across the aisle to find commonsense solutions for all Minnesotans,” said CEEM Executive Director Gregg Mast.

In 2019 Rep. Long was the chief author on bills addressing the following areas in the clean energy arena: stretch building codes, electric vehicle rebates, energy usage data rights, community solar garden changes, biomass definition changes, and the Clean Energy First Act.

On C-PACE, the legislation removes barriers to using PACE funds for new commercial construction and improves options for assessing project value critical for making projects work. The passage of the bill has already unlocked significant economic activity. Since the legislation went into effect on August 1, 2019, the Saint Paul Port Authority which manages one of the state’s two PACE programs, has funded $11.4 million in new construction projects – nearly half of the $22.5 million in total projects funded this year.

“I feel so fortunate to be selected by CEEM to receive their Clean Energy Legislative Champion Award! It’s clear that clean energy is a critical component to powering our future. Minnesotans are asking us to take advantage of the once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in this rapidly growing sector and build a thriving clean energy economy. Passing C-PACE last session was a huge win for the entire clean energy community, and I will continue working with Minnesotans to move our state forward on the path to clean energy,” said Rep. Jamie Long.

This financing mechanism is estimated to unlock some $333 million in new commercial construction projects and $30 million in PACE financing. PACE offers low-cost, long-term financing that is repaid as a property tax assessment for a specified period. By allowing more customers and developers to access PACE financing, building owners in Minnesota will construct buildings more efficiently, reducing energy use and saving money while creating local jobs.

“We know that Commercial PACE policy is making a difference, and we thank Rep. Long for his leadership on the issue. We see a lot of developers across the state more willing to spend additional dollars to make the highest quality, most efficient buildings possible. We look forward to seeing that take place here in Minneapolis, where we are headquartered, and in Rep. Long’s legislative district,” said Rafi Golberstein, CEO of Minneapolis-based PACE Loan Group.

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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.

Photo from L to R: Rafi Golberstein (PACE Loan Group), Gregg Mast (CEEM), Representative Jamie Long, Amelia Cerling Hennes (CEEM), Lily Osborne (CEEM), Benjamin Stafford (CEEM) and Pete Klein (Saint Paul Port Authority).