Governor Dayton reaffirmed his support today during a meeting with Climate Generation student activists

Governor Dayton’s Administration originally proposed the 50 percent by 2030 Renewable Energy Standard during the 2017 Legislative Session

Renewable energy is good for Minnesota’s economy, environment, and public health – supporting more than 57,000 jobs and creating $1 billion in economic activity

ST. PAUL, MN – During a meeting with Climate Generation student activists today, Governor Mark Dayton reaffirmed his support for a 50 Percent by 2030 Renewable Energy Standard and urged the Minnesota Legislature to enact the proposal this session. The higher standard would build on the progress that Minnesota has already achieved, helping the state to capture additional economic, health, and environmental benefits. In March, new reports were released that show Minnesota has achieved its goal of deriving 25 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025.

“Minnesota has made tremendous progress to support clean energy and reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions that threaten our health and our environment,” said Governor Dayton. “I urge the Legislature to adopt the ‘50 by 30’ Renewable Energy Standard, which Legislators from both parties have championed. We must do even more to ensure our children and grandchildren inherit a better future, and a stronger clean energy economy.” 

Minnesota’s progress under the Next Generation Energy Act has made our state an energy sector leader, with more than 57,000 clean energy jobs, which contribute more than $1 billion in economic activity in Minnesota every year. It has helped wind energy become a reliable, affordable source of electricity for Minnesota, while taking the equivalent of taking one million cars off the road. Increasing Minnesota’s renewable energy standard to 50 percent would help continue this growth, and would be good for Minnesota’s economy, health, and environment.

• Good for Our Economy – Minnesota’s clean energy economy has the potential to help fuel economic growth in Minnesota. Clean energy jobs in Minnesota grew 78 percent between 2000 and 2014, growing steadily through the recession. In comparison, the state’s total employment growth was only 11 percent. By 2030, global energy demand is expected to increase by 31 percent – creating a significant market for businesses able to help meet this demand. Raising Minnesota’s renewable energy standard will help grow our state’s clean energy technology sector and create good jobs for Minnesotans.
• Good for Our Health – Strengthening Minnesota’s Renewable Energy Standard will reduce the soot and smog that make Minnesotans, especially young children, elderly individuals, and those with other health conditions sick. In 2008, air pollution contributed to about 2,000 deaths in the Twin Cities alone. That was up to 13 percent of all deaths in the Twin Cities metropolitan area that year.
• Good for Our Environment – If Minnesota takes positive, bipartisan action now, we can improve and safeguard our state’s environment and natural resources for generations to come. Minnesota has experienced three 1,000-year floods since 2004. The state’s moose herd has declined by 50 percent. Minnesota’s spruce, fir, aspen, and birch forests have retreated toward Canada, as changing temperatures make our state an inadequate climate. Raising Minnesota’s Renewable Energy Standard is critical to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and restoring our state’s pristine natural resources.

To learn more about Governor Dayton’s proposal to increase Minnesota’s Renewable Energy Standard from 25 percent by 2025 to 50 percent by 2030, CLICK HERE.