Update on Critical LWVMN Climate Change Priority this Legislative Session
by SAM STREUKENS, Climate Change Policy & Greater MN Voter Service Coordinator
Minnesota is accustomed to a divided legislature. Farmers, cities, and low-income residents are seeing the impacts of climate change, a LWVMN top priority. In a budget surplus year with the increasing cost and incidence of extreme weather, the $1 billion Minnesota Climate Action Plan invests in the state’s future. Drought relief for farmers and forests will likely pass with bipartisan support, and initiatives that sequester carbon such as Forever Green (HF3625 & SF3711) and conservation planting (HF2904 & SF3653) have authorship across the aisle. Legislators like Rep. Todd Lippert understand the importance of resilient and healthy rural communities.
In my conversation with Rep. Patty Acomb, chair of the House Climate Action Caucus, she identified the Weatherization Assistance Program, or increasing the energy efficiency of homes, and Pre-Weatherization (HF3905) as most likely to receive bipartisan support this session. Referencing the 30 provisions in the Action Plan, she also identified solar installation on public infrastructure, funding for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines F, G, and H, infrastructure grant funding to adapt to climate change, and incentives to reduce individual emissions as some of the 30 provisions that could cross the finish line this session. League members have an important role to play in ensuring that legislators invest in climate resilience.
The Capitol Letter™ includes news stories related to legislation that’s been introduced so far and future areas of advocacy. This blog links articles on climate advocacy and focuses on bills with the potential for bipartisan support. The BRT bills are HF2997/ SF3921 (Line F), HF3623/ SF3434 (Line G), and HF3767/ SF3619 (Line H). Cities and counties across Minnesota, from St. Cloud to Duluth, would benefit from infrastructure grant programs to withstand climate change like HF2200. Despite last year’s “clean car” standards facing pressure in the Senate (SF3065), clean energy continues to grow in Minnesota through policy changes.
Republican Senator David Senjem authored SF3397 (HF3320) while Republican Senator Zack Duckworth authored SF3137 (HF3220) to give rebates for energy efficient and electric vehicle purchases and install charging stations at rest areas, respectively. Republican Sen. Karin Housley and DFL Rep. Athena Hollins are proposing companion bills to update the state’s Renewable Development Account and promote energy storage systems for wind and solar. Both political parties acknowledge the improved technology and that Minnesota is not immune to global warming and supply chain disruption.
While Republicans and Democrats overwhelmingly agree that America must increase its production of oil and gas and sanction Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, there is disagreement on whether to mine for metals that could be used for clean energy in northern Minnesota. DFLers Rep. Kelly Morrison (HF3389) and Sen. Jen McEwen (SF3170) introduced “bad actor” bills against mining companies that pollute the environment. At the same time, a group of Republicans, led by Sen. Spencer Igo, believes that the mines can reduce America’s reliance on Russia. Moreover, climate justice continues to be a divisive issue at the legislature. DFL Rep. Fue Lee introduced HF3146 to address air quality issues in communities of color, and DFL Rep. Sydney Jordan authored HF550 to prepare students that will live with climate change. Both bills will likely not receive any Republican support.
Despite ongoing partisan differences, LWVMN continues to work with our partners to achieve legislative victories within the climate change priority. Climate Policy Intern Calyn Schardt is working with legislators, local environmental leaders, and League members to research and draft a Climate Note that’s similar to the Fiscal Note that accompanies budget bills. This approach could provide more information about the real costs of bonding bills to our climate. The costs of climate change are rising, and the state must make the spending of its $9.3 billion budget surplus transparent. Rep. Acomb’s bill - HF3431 - will target the steps that Minnesota can take to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Other House Climate Action Caucus members include Rep. Frank Hornstein, Rep. Rick Hansen, Rep. Jamie Long, and more.