Powering Minnesota’s Future: Clean Energy Day at the Capitol
- Mariah Lynne
- Jul 15
- 4 min read
The State of Minnesota has a goal to become 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. It’s a milestone that will shape the future of clean energy across the state and one that will be felt most strongly in rural communities, where utility-scale renewable projects are built and maintained. As members of this industry and residents of Minnesota, it is important that we show up and support events crafted to build momentum and awareness of our state’s goals.
Clean Energy Business Day was held on April 21st, 2026, at the Minnesota State Capitol, and it marked the event’s 10-year anniversary. The day brought together business leaders, industry experts, and policy makers to share stories, exchange ideas, and discuss how Minnesota can continue moving forward toward a cleaner energy future. On April 11th, 2024, Governor Tim Walz proclaimed that day annually to be designated and recognized throughout the state as “Clean Energy Business Day.” When Walz signed the proclamation he wrote, “Minnesota’s innovative clean energy businesses are delivering sustainable, resilient, healthy and equitable solutions that contribute to our state’s transition to a clean economy today, and a brighter future for us all.”
Throughout the day we learned about clean energy initiatives, connected with policymakers, and built relationships across the industry. We also had meaningful conversations about Minnesota’s clean energy future. It is so great to see clean energy moving forward in the state of Minnesota.
Speakers and legislators throughout the day highlighted the key priorities shaping Minnesota’s energy and economic future. Many topics of discussion at the capital that day were about growth. Patty Acomb, District 45B Minnesota House of Representative and co-chair for the Clean Energy Committee, reflected on the progress our state has made in the clean energy space since 2018. Acomb’s leadership in the House resulted in the passage of the 2023 Environment, Natural Resources, Climate, and Energy Budget Bill, which invested over $348 million in new funding to lower energy costs, create clean energy jobs, and combat climate change. Her efforts also included weatherization funding and investments in solar and storage technology. Acomb expressed excitement over geothermal energy, battery storage, and emerging technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs). While she noted that several bills had missed the third legislative deadline, she remained optimistic that some proposals could move through the Senate. Acomb also spoke about the growing demand for data centers and how that shift is influencing energy conversations. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that ratepayers aren’t unfairly burdened with infrastructure costs, protecting water resources, improving environmental review processes, and maintaining transparency in development discussions especially when non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are involved. Above all, she stressed the importance of local input and community engagement in shaping energy projects.
From a rural Minnesota perspective, it is important that local voices remain part of conversations surrounding renewable energy and economic development. Many discussions focused on how clean energy projects can impact farming operations, land use, and the siting of renewable energy infrastructure in rural communities. Speakers acknowledged the need to protect productive farmland while also recognizing the economic opportunities renewable energy can bring to rural communities. There was discussion about the long-term commitments farmers make when participating in clean energy projects and the importance of ensuring those agreements support both current and future generations. The balance between economic development and preserving rural identity remains a critical part of Minnesota's clean energy transition.
During the clean energy presentation, Paul Douglas, retired meteorologist and keynote speaker, discussed how the rate of warming is accelerating faster than expected. Global warming and renewable energy go hand-and-hand with each other. With the growth of renewable energy we are cutting back on our emissions, which helps slow down the alarming rate of global warming. Douglas closed his remarks with “efficiency always wins”.
We had the opportunity to speak with a wide range of individuals working across the renewable energy industry and some were there advocating for climate change and how renewable energy plays a role. There were also developers across the industry who worked with EV charging infrastructure, coding and technology, and clean fuels. We also had discussions with members of the industry who shared that there are financing challenges in our industry. Those individuals expressed concerns that there needs to be more financing options for continued growth, especially in smaller scale solar development (such as residential and community solar).
Looking ahead, the conversation focused on the future of renewable energy in Minnesota. The main topics of discussion revolved around transportation and clean fuels. There was also discussion of the need to reform the permitting process for behind the meter projects and community focused policies and incentives for farmers. These include sales and
tax exemptions as well as grants for solar installations. Start-up costs can be high, but grants
can create a more affordable environment. The long-term maintenance and operational savings are all part of clean energy discussions.
Clean Energy Business Day offered a valuable opportunity to connect with policymakers, developers, advocates, and rural community members, all in one place. Events like this led to inspiration from collaborations and provided many different perspectives from which we are able to learn and grow. When we put like minds together, we are able to reflect on the past and create a better future. Attend functions in your state to support growth and enjoy togetherness as an industry of change makers.
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