To protect human health, the environment, and Minnesota's economy, state agencies are working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. Working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is called climate mitigation.
The MPCA's mitigation approach promotes clean energy, electric vehicles, and energy efficiency — all of which also create jobs. MPCA continually develops and adapts strategies to reduce air quality pollutants and to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate Action Framework
Addressing climate change presents Minnesota with a historic opportunity to strengthen our economy, improve our health, and create a more equitable Minnesota for everyone.
To guide this work, the State of Minnesota has developed a Climate Action Framework. This plan sets a vision for how our state will address and prepare for climate change. It identifies immediate, near-term actions we must take to achieve our long-term goal of a carbon-neutral, resilient, and equitable future for Minnesota.
Learn more about the Climate Action Framework.
Minnesota’s climate goals
In 2007 Minnesota passed the Next Generation Energy Act, which required our state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% between 2005 and 2050 while maintaining reliable and affordable energy. At the time, Minnesota was ranked the number two state — second to California — for passing aggressive reductions in GHG emissions.
In 2023, the state Legislature updated these goals to reflect the state’s Climate Action Framework. Minnesota’s current goals are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030 from a 2005 baseline and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Greenhouse gas emissions reduction report
As part of the Next Generation Energy Act, the Department of Commerce and the MPCA report to the Legislature the emissions reductions achieved, as well as what is necessary to eventually achieve the full 80% reduction by 2050.
- Greenhouse gas emissions inventory: 2005 to 2020