MN 100% Clean Energy Bill Clears House, Advances to Senate
Late this evening, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed an omnibus energy and economic development bill HF 2208, which puts the state on a path to 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2050 and expands opportunities for low-income families and rural communities to participate in the state’s successful community solar program. The bill, which passed the House in a 74-59 vote, now moves to the Senate.
Vote Solar applauded progress on the omnibus 100 percent clean energy bill, which would give more Minnesotans the opportunity to lower their utility bills, breathe clean air, and participate directly in the state’s growing new energy economy.
“HF 2208 will put more of Minnesota’s plentiful sunshine and wind to work creating jobs today and building a brighter energy future for our children and grandchildren. It’s especially exciting to see Minnesota taking steps to make sure that 100 percent clean energy vision is fair and inclusive by expanding community solar opportunity,” said Becky Stanfield, Midwest States Senior Director for Vote Solar. “We thank Governor Walz for his leadership and applaud all of the Representatives who voted for this bill today. In the coming weeks we hope to see the Senate to do the same and help build a 100 percent clean energy economy that’s strong enough to work for every Minnesotan.”
Minnesota has helped lead the nation in community solar, a pioneering model that gives renters and others who cannot put solar panels on their own property a way to go solar and save. This fair and commonsense approach to clean energy has cleared the way for more than 10,000 households, along with schools, non-profits and businesses, to go solar in Minnesota. As part of the state’s clean energy strategy, HF 2208 creates new opportunities for low- and moderate-income families to benefit from community solar gardens. In addition, it will allow more land owners to benefit from siting community solar gardens by relaxing restrictions on where the community solar gardens can be located.
About Vote Solar: Since 2002, Vote Solar has been working to lower solar costs and expand solar access. A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Vote Solar advocates for state policies and programs needed to repower our electric grid with clean energy. Learn more at www.votesolar.org