Senator Frentz receives Clean Energy Legislative Champion Award

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Clean Energy Economy MN (CEEM) presented its 2023 Clean Energy Legislative Champion Award to Senator Nick Frentz (DFL- North Mankato) on Wednesday, August 23 for his outstanding leadership during the 2023 legislative session.

“Senator Frentz is a trusted and experienced clean energy and climate champion. He understands the critical importance of crafting smart policy that accelerates progress towards a clean energy future while ensuring our energy system remains reliable and affordable for all Minnesotans,” said CEEM Executive Director Gregg Mast. “I’m thrilled to continue working with Senator Frentz in his roles as Assistant Majority Leader and Chair of the Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate Committee to ensure efficient implementation of the transformative energy policies passed this session that are set to supercharge the expansion of clean energy jobs and innovative solutions across the state.”

Frentz, a Democrat from North Mankato serving his third term, is well-versed with the business case for clean energy and continues to be a strong advocate for economic opportunities in Greater Minnesota. His achievements this session include:

• Chief Author of the 100% by 2040 bill in which he brought together clean energy and business advocates, utilities, labor, and environmental stakeholders from across Minnesota to successfully pass historic legislation.
• Chief Author of the State Competitiveness Fund, investing $190 million to unlock billions in potential federal grants for energy efficiency and clean energy projects.
• Co-author of Minnesota Energy Alley, a bill that will provide critical business support and training for entrepreneurs and energy innovators paired with seed funding to commercialize new energy technologies faster.
• Served as Assistant Majority Leader and Chaired the Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate Committee that saw a historic investment in the clean energy economy including investments in transmission, modernizing community solar, and key investments in electric vehicle deployment.

“We are living in an exciting time; Minnesota is in position for rapid decarbonization and amazing economic opportunities across the state. The combination of state and federal policy will allow all Minnesotans to thrive, and live in a cleaner future, where we have good jobs, clean, affordable and reliable energy and a strong economy statewide,” said Sen. Frentz. “I couldn’t do my work without strong relationships with organizations like CEEM, who bring the business voice to the table and help inform and shape the policies that get made into law.”

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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.