Skip to main content

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.

The Next Generation Energy Act

The Next Generation Energy Act requires the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state by 80% between 2005 and 2050, while supporting clean energy, energy efficiency, and supplementing other renewable energy standards in Minnesota. Interim goals were also set: a 15% reduction by 2015, and a 30% reduction by 2025.

When the act was signed in 2007, Minnesota was ranked the number two state — second to California — for passing aggressive reductions in GHG emissions. We continue to be a leader when it comes to emissions reductions, and the MPCA and other state agencies continue to work together to develop effective policies that further reduce emissions, support our state economy, and protect and preserve human health and the environment.

Greenhouse gas emissions reduction report

As part of the Next Generation Energy Act, the Department of Commerce and the MPCA report the emissions reductions achieved, as well as what is necessary to eventually achieve the full 80% reduction by 2050. This biennial report to the Legislature highlights progress toward these goals.