State will begin engagement next month on an updated framework set to be released in 2025
From passing a new law requiring 100% carbon-free electricity to distributing money to more than 50 communities preparing for climate change, the State of Minnesota is advancing its Climate Action Framework. These and other successes are shared in a new report by the Walz-Flanagan Administration’s Subcabinet on Climate Change released today detailing progress made on Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework goals.
Launched in September of 2022, the framework identifies bold actions for the state to achieve a carbon-neutral, resilient, and equitable future for Minnesota. The progress report includes three major actions the state and partners across Minnesota have taken under each of the framework’s six goals over the past 2 years.
In 2023 and 2024, the Minnesota Legislature passed over $1 billion in funding to transition to clean energy, to reduce climate pollution and to prepare communities for the impacts of climate change. Federal funding has also boosted climate actions across Minnesota, with investments at the federal, state and local levels. Minnesota entities have received over $3 billion in federal climate funding through the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act since 2022. Together, these state and federal investments have accelerated ongoing efforts and set in motion dozens of new programs focused on implementing climate solutions.
Climate actions at the community level have added to the momentum. Local community leaders, businesses, nonprofits, local government, Tribal Nations, and climate advocates are developing plans, projects and programs that are already having impact for their communities.
Federal clean energy funds are going directly to many Minnesota businesses and organizations, ranging from individual and community federal tax credits and incentives to new energy infrastructure for solar power and transmission lines.
“Minnesota is bringing forth real solutions to the climate crisis by collaborating across local governments, businesses, non-profits, and individuals to bring our Climate Action Framework to life,” said MPCA Commissioner Katrina Kessler. “We are proud of the progress we’ve made over the last two years and will continue our work toward a carbon-free, resilient, and equitable future for Minnesota.”
The recent, disastrous flooding in Minnesota is a stark reminder of the realities of the impacts to Minnesotans of more extreme weather events linked to climate change.
“Minnesotans are experiencing the impact of our changing climate in their communities in real time, with devastating impacts to public safety, livelihoods, infrastructure, lands, waters, fish and wildlife,” said DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen. “Fortunately, we’re also seeing examples of climate resiliency success that have helped protect our communities and natural resources, as evidenced by the enhanced flood mitigation infrastructure that did withstand recent flooding. Continuing to make progress on our Climate Action Framework will protect the Minnesota we know and love for future generations.”
Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold said, “In the past year, Commerce has had incredible achievements in setting up or expanding energy programs, pursuing and getting approved for millions in federal clean energy grants, and working with partners across the state on climate actions. As our state faces a changing climate, our work to focus on climate equity becomes more important so that all Minnesotans benefit from a clean energy future.”
Highlights from the progress report
Goal 1: Clean transportation
Over $440 million in new, dedicated funding for public transit each year will help the state decrease vehicle miles traveled 20% per capita by 2050.
Goal 2: Climate smart natural and working lands
Millions of dollars in new funding appropriated to restore Minnesota’s forests, grasslands, wetlands, and peatlands will help the state increase carbon stored annually in Minnesota lands by 25% by 2035.
Goal 3: Resilient communities
Since 2022, the state’s $100 million resilient communities grant program has provided over 50 communities funding to prepare for flooding, extreme heat, and other impacts of climate change which will help achieve the goal of 100% of Minnesota cities engaged climate resilience planning by 2030.
Goal 4: Clean energy and efficient buildings
In 2023, Minnesota became the 21st state to adopt the goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040, for energy that will be reliable, safe, affordable, and clean, benefiting all Minnesotans.
Goal 5: Healthy lives and communities
In partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Minnesota Department of Health built a system to monitor near real-time hospital reporting of health conditions including heat-related illnesses. Currently, 80% of Minnesota hospital facilities are reporting data.
Goal 6: Clean economy
Minnesota Energy Alley, a new collaboration between the state and local economic development organizations, provides seed investments to Minnesota-based start-ups exploring climate solutions.
Next month, Minnesota will begin public engagement on an updated Climate Action Framework set to be released in 2025. The updated framework will include projections on the amount of climate pollution reduced through specific actions, a stronger focus on collaboration with local governments, and a plan to track and report data on our progress. Visit mn.gov/framework to sign up for the latest updates on actions the state is taking to address climate change.