Federal Policy

In the midst of the chaotic US House Speaker elections this fall – CEEM’s policy team visited Washington D.C. to meet with Minnesota Congressional staff. They also co-hosted a Minnesota Energy Briefing with the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) to discuss the economic impact of clean energy growth in Minnesota.

On Tuesday this week President Biden signed into the law the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This bill is the result of years of work by clean energy businesses, advocates, nonprofits, and government agencies to pass legislation that is expected to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030.

Today the United States House of Representatives passed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 – sending the bill to President Biden’s desk for signing. The bill includes $370 billion for significant investments in clean energy technologies that are also slated to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030.

The combined investments in the $370 billion Inflation Reduction Act puts the U.S. on a path to roughly 40% emissions reduction by 2030, and represents the single biggest climate investment in U.S. history, by far.

Today the United States Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 – including $370 billion for significant investments in clean energy technologies.

The solar industry is growing at a rapid and exciting pace, pushing the country closer and closer to a clean energy future with every megawatt installed. While demand is higher than ever, supply is in flux in large part because of the U.S. Department of Commerce investigation into potential tariff circumvention.

During election season 2020, it was clear that clean energy is becoming a more common topic of conversation. Now that the Biden-Harris Administration is settling in, a focus on investments in clean energy and infrastructure is emerging, focusing on the economic benefits of a transition to low and zero-carbon electricity.

The 2020 election season is over. No matter which side of the aisle you lean, it’s most likely safe to say we’re all glad it’s over. The results of this year’s election at both the state and federal level will impact the potential for clean energy policy progress in 2021. We continue to be engaged. For example, our CEEM members met with candidates for State Senate to provide education on our industry and policy opportunities. We continue to look for opportunities to inform policymakers about how and why clean energy policy matters.

Clean Energy Economy Minnesota and several member companies recently reached out to Congress, noting policies that will impact Minnesota’s clean energy business community.