Minnesota Commits to 100% Clean Electricity by 2040 with Ambitious New Legislation

New Bill Creates Call to Action for Utilities Operators and Businesses Alike

Minnesota has joined over 20 states who have implemented climate action legislation with a commitment to transition to 100% clean electricity by 2040. On February 7, Governor Tim Walz signed the clean energy bill (HF7) into law, putting Minnesota on track to pursue one of the country’s most accelerated timelines to make the switch away from fossil fuel energy sources.

What’s New with Minnesota’s Clean Electricity Bill?

• The 100% clean electricity law mandates all utilities to provide Minnesota customers with 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040, with compliance benchmarks every five years. The new law gives utilities the planning time and flexibility they need to reach the 100% goal, ensuring Minnesotans will continue to have reliable, carbon-free, affordable and safe energy resources.
• Minnesota’s commitment to 100% clean electricity by 2040 is one of the most ambitious state-wide clean energy policies passed in the U.S. since the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was approved by Congress last year. The IRA’s historic investment in clean energy initiatives means adopting bold state climate policies is more cost-effective than ever. Strong state policies are critical for states and local governments to fully harness and benefit from the historic investments of the IRA, and to ensure the U.S. meets its climate goal of achieving a carbon pollution reduction of at least 50% by 2030.

Why Does It Matter?

• As the clean energy transition accelerates across the country, cities and counties will need clarity on the path forward to mitigate risk and plan ahead, and state legislation like this provides a framework for measured and sustainable change.
• This investment in the future of the state comes with many positive community impacts. With its all-encompassing energy options, the legislation ensures a bright future for Minnesotans with significant opportunities for innovation, job creation, workforce development, health and reliable and affordable energy across the state.

What’s Next for Minnesota Communities and McKinstry?

• With Action for Impact as our guide, McKinstry looks forward to collaborating with Minnesota communities on the successful implementation of the 100% clean electricity legislation, partnering with Minnesota cities, counties and universities in their commitments to advance clean energy in Minnesota.

At McKinstry, we recognize and celebrate Minnesota’s aggressive approach to transforming the state to ensure resilient, efficient, healthy and sustainable communities for its residents and visitors. As we continue to support communities in Minnesota, and across the U.S., with efforts to invest in infrastructure and achieve ambitious decarbonization goals, we celebrate leaders like Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flannagan, Senator Nick Frentz and House Majority Leader Jamie Long, and members of the Minnesota House and Senate who voted in support of this bill, accepting the urgency and recognizing the time is now to face the climate challenge head on.

Project Experience

See innovation and creativity in action through our recent projects.

Winona State University

McKinstry has been proud to partner with Winona State University on a $12 million Leading Energy Savings & Sustainability (LESS) project.

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The City of Rochester

To help achieve these aggressive goals, the city partnered with McKinstry to revitalize and optimize two of the city’s landmark buildings, the Mayo Civic Center and the Rochester Recreation Center.

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