Percy Bartelt, opinions editor

Earlier this year, Governor Tim Walz signed the 100% Clean Energy Bill establishing a carbon-free electricity standard. The Minnesota Commerce Department website states “Minnesota will take steps to lower greenhouse gas emissions, combat the climate crisis, and create new clean energy jobs.” This means the new law ensures residents of Minnesota will, by 2040, have reliable, affordable and safe energy resources. Personally, I like the idea of 100% clean energy, however many Minnesota residents refute it and/or don’t see it as plausible to achieve that standard by 2040. My apologies for liking the idea of having a liveable world by the time I’m a functioning adult.

Although many would think it’s impossible, over the course of 15 years since 2005, Minnesota has declined carbon emissions by 54% and still maintains that number today. The bill allows utility firms the planning time and resources they need to provide reliable and affordable electricity to Minnesota residents by 2040. The goal for these firms is to reach 80% retail sales by 2030 and have an increase of 5% proceeding each year to reach 100% by 2040. Retail sales will be obtained by selling or providing solar panels to communities, wind turbines for agriculture and creating a hydropower system connected to the Mississippi. These methods generate electricity without releasing greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. Energy technology firms such as Minnesotan Power, ALLETE and Xcel Energy are tasked with closely monitoring retail sales and greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring that Minnesota reaches our goal of clean energy.

Some people argue that this idea of clean energy is not achievable. I can understand, as a resident of Minnesota, as I’ve never seen or heard of Minnesota working hard to provide clean energy. But there were some instances – like when Lime e-scooters and e-bikes were introduced to Minneapolis and St. Paul areas in 2019 – but none to the capacity of what we’re promoting that will hopefully save our planet. Building companies have offered to install solar panels and wind turbines to be equipped on properties like farms, privately owned businesses and residential communities. With that in mind, I wondered how much it actually cost to get a solar panel installed on the roof of my house. The rough total came to $5,000. One single solar panel for $5,000. The broke college student that I am would never imagine paying that over my tuition. These companies have partnered with the Neighborhood Development Center to ensure neighborhoods around the Twin Cities receive the supplies they need for clean energy. Meaning that even the most vulnerable neighborhoods participate in making Minnesota 100% clean. Let’s go, Minnesota!

The idea of sustainability across Minnesota has been impacting not only the environment but also the workforce. The bill’s benefits don’t just mean clean energy but also the creation of high-quality jobs that support families across the state, ensuring that workers have the necessary resources and opportunities to accomplish environmental justice. Furthermore, it will recognize workers’ rights to organize and unionize to accomplish this goal by 2040. As residents of Minnesota, we will be able to recognize those who’ve worked their damnedest to accomplish this goal of 100% clean energy.