Rep. Kiel Receives 2018 Clean Energy Legislative Champion Award

Rep. Kiel’s support for efficient, local, and renewable biomass heating recognized by CEEM

RED LAKE FALLS, MINN., October 30, 2018 — Representative Debra Kiel (R-Crookston) today was presented with the 2018 Clean Energy Legislative Champion Award by Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM) at an event hosted by Northwest Manufacturing. Representative Kiel has championed a bill the past two legislative sessions that would assist Minnesota homeowners in addressing the financial challenges associated with purchasing an advanced biomass heating system. This was the second year that CEEM has recognized a member of the Minnesota Legislature for their commitment to innovative, reliable, and affordable clean energy solutions.

“I am honored to receive the Clean Energy Legislative Champion Award,” said Rep. Debra Kiel. “Minnesota is blessed with abundant natural resources, and our ability to utilize them helps diversify our energy resources as a state and also creates jobs, supports local businesses, and strengthens our economy – especially throughout Greater Minnesota. I appreciate CEEM being a partner on this issue, and I will continue to champion policies that promote affordable energy solutions for Minnesota.”

“Representative Kiel understands the economic opportunity that biomass thermal energy provides,” said Chuck Gagner, President of Northwest Manufacturing. “Her efforts help Minnesotans who are seeking ways to reduce their energy costs using local resources and helps provide a needed market for biomass here in the state.”

“Representative Kiel’s leadership on this issue has been crucial,” said Gregg Mast, Executive Director of Clean Energy Economy Minnesota. “Her commitment to expanding market opportunities for renewable heating technologies will help consumers save money while supporting hundreds of good-paying jobs throughout our state’s biomass heating supply chain.”

The award presentation comes on the heels of the sixth annual National Bioenergy Day held earlier this month where organizations and communities across the U.S. and Minnesota celebrated the many benefits bioenergy provides on the local level.

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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.