Minnesota needs leaders who act courageously and consistently for climate and racial justice throughout our state. In the past two years, Minnesotans have proved our strength in community. Together, we have worked to protect our prized natural environment and to take care of our vulnerable neighbors. Our state and local governments have the power to make our values-based goals a reality. But right now, too many elected leaders take the side of corporations and the wealthy few over what the majority of Minnesotans want and need.
With our voices and our votes, we have elected the following legislators who have shown through their actions that they understand the urgent need to protect our communities and safeguard our natural environment now and for generations to come.
“Northeastern Minnesota, with our resource-based economy and heavy reliance on fossil fuels, is placed particularly at risk by the climate crisis. We need to begin working together now to plan and implement the transition to the clean-energy future that will sustain our regional economy. This starts with stopping investments into carbon-based industries such as new pipelines, and building our regional economy through investing in clean energy.”
“The climate crisis is an existential threat to our state and our health. We are experiencing higher temperatures, more extreme storms, increased health costs, and increased costs for infrastructure repair and maintenance. This crisis affects all Minnesotans, but this is another issue where Black, brown, and indigenous communities disproportionately suffer the most serious effects. Bold action is needed now to effectively change these outcomes.”
“Climate change is a global threat with real consequences for our shared future. The stakes are clear, and the moment demands intentional, decisive action to advance solutions at the scale of our problems and advances to a just transition to a clean energy future.Minnesota can and must be a leader on this front by achieving 100% Clean Energy by 2050, building a clean energy economy with high-quality jobs, safeguard pollinators, and protect our natural environment.”
Senator Marty has been leading the fight against climate change in the Minnesota Senate. Because it is the biggest single threat to the future of society, John continues pushing for legislation to put a price on greenhouse gas emissions, to strengthen our renewable energy standards and to keep fossil fuels in the ground.
“A large majority of Minnesotans, myself included, believe that our environment is something to be treasured and protected for generations to come. I believe that it is the right of every Minnesotan to have access to clean air, water, and a healthy community.”
“It’s [the MN Climate Innovation Finance Authority}an opportunity to pool resources to leverage federal and private funding to bring in the clean energy transition here in Minnesota,” Senator Tou Xiong
“The biggest issue my district could invest in to reduce emissions is a better public transit infrastructure. Continued investments in projects like the Gold Line will help reduce emissions greatly while allowing those without reliable transportation more options.”
“Our state is already feeling the effects of climate change, with higher-than-normal temperatures, more extreme storms with intense flooding, and changes to our unique ecosystems. Not only is this a detriment to the habitats we cherish so much, it also accelerates the deterioration of our infrastructure and forces us to complete early and costly repairs. We need to step up and enact bold solutions to address the climate crisis before us, so the cost of inaction doesn’t fall on the shoulders of future Minnesotans.”
“The solutions that will benefit my constituents are the same solutions that will benefit all
Minnesotans: increased investment in wind and solar, banning the construction of new pipelines, reaching net-zero emissions as soon as possible (certainly much sooner than 2040), and so much more.”
“Climate change is the global humanitarian crisis of our time. It’s time for action at all levels of government to mitigate the damage. When bad environmental policy is passed and disaster strikes, we know which communities feel the impact most: impoverished communities, indigenous communities, and communities of color. The state legislature has a responsibility to act as steward of our environment and to protect our natural resources.”
“Decades of substandard climate policy has brought us to the brink of complete environmental destruction, but there is still time to break the cycle of inaction. Addressing climate change provides us with a unique opportunity to advance a sustainable economy, protect communities of color that have been disproportionately impacted by climate change, and create thousands of green, union jobs in the process.”
“Climate change is a fundamental threat to Minnesotans. We must ensure a transition to 100% clean energy, end pollution, protect our air and water, and create a future that is sustainable for all Minnesotans no matter where they live.”
“In a few years, the damage to our climate will be irreversible and we will be dealing with more and more extreme weather events. We must accelerate the phase out of fossil fuels, promote more renewable energy, and protect our natural resources – like the Boundary Waters – from harmful mining.”
As one of the fastest warming states in the country, Minnesota is already experiencing the impacts of climate change. We’ve seen several extreme weather events in the past two decades, for example, and some communities – primarily communities of color – are facing heightened rates of asthma and other health issues. Our [MN House] Climate and Energy bill is an ambitious plan to address this crisis… Transitioning to a clean energy economy would create good-paying jobs, affordable energy, and new industries. This bill ensures that all Minnesotans, especially those most impacted by climate change, can access these benefits. I was proud to vote for this bill when it passed in the House.”
“Climate change materializes in the degradation of the shorelines of Lake Superior, as well as in lead and
water issues, critical infrastructures and their environmental threat to the land, air, and water. These are not
only climate catastrophes, but racialized human catastrophes. They require robust investment and a
realignment of priorities at the state level, not bandaids that only last until the next life is taken, and I’ll continue
to be a leader in this movement to ensure that Minnesota makes this an urgent priority.”
“…I will be pushing for 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030, not 2040. I am part of the first generation to live in a world feeling the extreme effects of climate change. It is no longer “future generations” that suffer, but my own. In my life I have already been displaced by California wildfires, Florida hurricanes, and Chicago blizzards, and things will only get worse. Now is the time for drastic action, not steady change.”
Jamie supports accepting the realities of climate change and promoting transitions to renewable energy, including bringing more renewable energy jobs to Minnesota.
“The climate crisis is an all hands on deck issue. We need to be approaching it economy wide and from all levels of government in order to prevent the worst impacts of our changing climate. We need to invest in a rapid transition to renewable energy and electrification of our transportation system as well as our buildings.”
“Among our state’s highest priorities must be climate change. It has to be a lens through which we view all legislation – and the stakes are high; we have to get climate policy right. But climate change is also an incredible opportunity – to create good jobs, reduce pollution and improve public health, and address social inequalities. And I look forward to working on these and many other issues to improve the lives of all people in our community.”
“As technology advances and more people adopt clean energy alternatives, the more attainable cleaner energy will become. Solar and wind energy have shown to be a great starting point for communities. Bolstering our electrical and heating infrastructure is needed for sustainable adoption of clean energy into the future. Net metering allows the technology to be affordable and accessible for middle-class families. Finally, we must continue to support programs to encourage and incentivize renters, homeowners, and businesses to adopt clean energy.”
“I will support the transition to 100% carbon free electricity production by 2040 or sooner. We need to make sure that we are doing all we can to preserve and protect our environment for our children and future generations. I am opposed to any and all new oil infrastructure projects to support the transition to carbon free energy as quickly as possible.”
“With the stunning conclusions of the latest IPCC report in mind, I’d set 2030 as our state goal for becoming carbon neutral in our energy systems, and I’d incorporate mandates and other incentives to help us meet the goal. I’d build in grants, loans and tax incentives to local governments, BIPOC communities and families, and others to join in and support the electrification of gas-powered buildings, vehicles, and appliances.”
Kaela supports accelerating transition from fossil fuels to modern, carbon-free electricity, continuing to grow high-paying jobs and skills training in the clean energy sector, and leveraging billions in federal infrastructure funding to implement clean energy and climate resilience projects
“Addressing the climate crisis by promoting safe, clean renewable energy, and lessening our reliance on fossil fuels are high priority in my legislative service. I am a strong proponent of the Green New Deal, which I developed in consultation with Minnesota climate justice advocates including many students. I have authored legislation to increase the state’s renewable energy standard, and incentivize the use of electric and hybrid vehicles. I will continue to support Minnesota’s moratorium on building additional nuclear power plants.”
Jamie remains committed to the climate and clean energy work he began in his last term as Chair of the Climate and Energy Committee and as Co-Chair of the Legislative Energy Commission, when he shepherded legislation to greatly expand solar deployment, update the state’s energy efficiency laws, and ensure a just clean energy transition for workers. Jamie authored the 100% Clean Energy Standard, in collaboration with Governor Walz.
It’s imperative that we follow scientifically backed policies calling for 100% carbon-free electricity production by 2040, or sooner, because we must consider the future of our children and their families. As a new mom to a 7-month old I want my child to be able to live in a Minneapolis, and in turn, a world that is safe, has clean air and water, and has sustainable green workforces. Everyone has the right to a clean environment, and profit-driven corporations who buy out votes, and spread dis- and misinform the public must be stopped.
The reality is that we could move to total carbon neutrality today and still be unable to reverse irreparable damage to our ecosystems as well as risks to human lives across the world, especially in coastal communities and other areas that face extreme weather events. We need to move forward in unity to halt the climate crisis to reduce its impact on us, our children, and every future generation.
“Climate change is not a policy problem, it is a moral failing on a scale that we have only barely begun to understand. I will make decarbonization a framework for all of my work at the capitol.”
“Immediate action must be taken against the existential threat of climate change, which disproportionately impacts the economically disadvantaged and communities of color. When I represent you, I will fight for bold policy initiatives: a statewide commitment to 100% clean energy, a green economy founded on good, accessible union jobs, – electric school buses and public transportation, collaboration with communities of color to end the cycle of our neighbors being disproportionately burdened by the effects of climate change.”
“We need to significantly reduce emissions and the most effective way to do that quickly is on a large scale-Like implementing an electric-only fleet for MetroTransit and all government vehicles. Understanding that communities of color are the first to feel the consequences of climate change, and least likely to have resources to address its effects, we need to also have grants that help folks weatherize their homes.”