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Newsletter
Minnesota’s new clean energy laws could position Walz as a national climate leader

Minnesota’s new clean energy laws could position Walz as a national climate leader

Governor Tim Walz’s reforms to Minnesota’s clean energy permitting process could make him a key player in national climate policy if Kamala Harris wins the 2024 election.

Jennifer McDermott and Isabella O’Malley report for The Associated Press.

In short:

  • Walz signed legislation to streamline permitting for clean energy projects in Minnesota, eliminating some of the biggest bureaucratic hurdles.
  • The new law is seen as a model that other states could follow, though replicating it federally may be challenging.
  • Walz’s experience with these reforms could shape his role in climate policy if he becomes vice president.

Key quote:

“Any permitting bill that makes it easier to build clean energy infrastructure and getting connected is really vital to all of our climate goals.”

— Ben Pendergrass, vice president of government affairs at Citizens Climate Lobby

Why this matters:

Speeding up the clean energy transition is vital in meeting climate goals. Walz’s legislative experience could be influential in shaping national energy policies.

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Walz's shifting stance on environmental policy
Credit: Pixabay

Walz's shifting stance on environmental policy

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, once known for his conservative environmental record in Congress, has embraced aggressive climate policies as the vice presidential nominee.

Emma Dumain, Kelsey Brugger and Nico Portuondo report forE&E News.

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Vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz's environmental stance, scrutinized
Credit: Michal/Pixabay

Vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz's environmental stance, scrutinized

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, now the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, faces criticism from environmentalists for his cautious approach to mining in the state, balancing economic development with environmental protection.

Hannah Northey reports for E&E News.

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Tim Walz’s energy record sparks debate on environmental policies

Tim Walz’s energy record sparks debate on environmental policies

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, chosen by Kamala Harris as her vice-presidential running mate, has a mixed energy record, balancing aggressive low-carbon policies with controversial support for an oil pipeline.

Brian Dabbs, Carlos Anchondo, and Jeffrey Tomich report for E&E News.

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minnesota climate politics
Photo by Bao Chau on Unsplash

How 2023 changed the way states do climate policy

Minnesota Democrats, newly in control of the state government, began 2023 by enacting a clean electricity standard. Michigan lawmakers followed suit months later — as one of their final acts before gaveling out for the year.

Newsletter
mining truck
Photo by Dominik Vanyi on Unsplash

How giving trucks an electric boost can help cut mining pollution in Minnesota

U.S. Steel and Minnesota Power have applied for a U.S. Department of Energy grant in hopes of kickstarting a project that seeks to test a system to partially power mining trucks with electricity.

solar panels
Photo by Bill Mead on Unsplash

Is Xcel Energy holding back substation capacity from solar developers? It’s complicated

Clean energy advocates believe technical restrictions imposed by Xcel Energy are curtailing the expansion of solar energy in Minnesota.

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