Minnesota
In 2023, Minnesota passed sweeping climate and environmental justice legislation, including mandatory emissions reductions targets, but the state has only decreased emissions 7% from 2005-2022 — compared to their target of 50% below 2005 levels by 2030. In the same year, they also passed a clean energy standard of 100% clean electricity by 2040, and renewable electricity generation has almost doubled over the last decade, largely from wind. While the state has no fossil fuel reserves or production, it plays an essential role in the interstate transport of coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
Governor
Tim Walz (Democrat)
House Party
Split Control
Senate Party
Democratic Majority
Electricity market structure
Regulated
38
31
Midwest
Progress by Policy Area
- Enacted Enacted policies have been passed or established in a state by a governing body via legislation, executive orders, rules, regulations, and/or other program creation, and remain in effect.
- In-progress In progress policies have been established in a state, but final regulations, rules, or plans are pending final approval. This also includes legislation and executive orders that require regulations to be put into effect.
- Partially Enacted Partially enacted policies have been enacted in the state, but are missing one or more policy components. Dashboard policies cannot be considered partially enacted unless policy components are available.
- Not Enacted Not enacted policies have not been passed or established in the state or are no longer in effect.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections in Minnesota
Climate Policies in Minnesota
| Status | Policy | Policy Area | Policy Category | Year Enacted | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enacted |
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Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority Establishing Policies
|
Cross-Sector
|
Climate Finance | 2023 | |
| Not Enacted |
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State divestment means ending new investment in the fossil fuel industry and phasing out existing fossil fuel investments in public funds, such as state pensions, over time. States can also set greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets for their investment portfolios. |
Cross-Sector
|
Climate Finance | ||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Carbon pollution pricing establishes a pollution fee or cap-and-trade program on the greenhouse gas emissions associated with each sector/source of emissions within the state. Programs typically cover the electricity, buildings, transportation, and/or industrial sectors. |
Cross-Sector
|
Carbon Valuation | ||
| Enacted |
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Utilities must incorporate the social cost of carbon in utility resource planning. The Public Utilities Commission must use the EPA's updated SC-GHG estimates for monetizing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with each method of electricity generation. State law also states that “if, at any time,” EPA’s estimates “are exceeded by estimates released by the federal Interagency Working Group on the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases or its successors, the Commission shall adopt the working group estimates.” Establishing Policies
|
Cross-Sector
|
Carbon Valuation | 2023 |