Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed the Clean Energy Bill into law on Tuesday, which will now push the state to have carbon-free utilities by 2040.
The bill was passed by the state legislature at the end of last month in a party-line vote that came after almost seven hours of debate.
The legislation was sponsored by House Majority Leader Jamie Long (DFL-Mpls) and now makes Minnesota the 22nd state to establish 100% clean energy as a standard or goal.
“Minnesota is one of the top states in the country in seeing change to our climate,” Long said. “Some have asked us what one state alone can do. Collectively, states can make a big difference.”
During the ceremonial signing of the bill, Walz said that making the switch to carbon-free energy sources will help curb climate change and create jobs.
“I have to tell you, when I hear people say, “You are moving too fast.” We can’t move too fast when it comes to addressing climate change,” Walz said. “We can’t move quickly enough.”
The bill will see the state move on from coal and natural gas to renewables like solar, wind, and hydropower.
Republicans who oppose the bill say that it will lead to higher costs and less reliability for consumers causing more issues down the road.
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