Gov. Walz announces new comprehensive climate plan

(ABC 6 News) – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan on Friday launched a comprehensive plan to protect Minnesota’s environment and combat climate change.

The Climate Action Framework was created when Minnesota’s Climate Change Subcabinet – which includes 15 state agencies, departments, and boards – listened to the input of residents, businesses, community organizations, tribal nations, local governments, and others.

In all, more than 3,000 Minnesotans helped shape the framework in the spring of 2022. 

“To maintain the things we love about Minnesota – our pristine lakes, incredible wilderness areas and state parks, and outdoor economy – we need to act in a collaborative, bipartisan, and forward-looking way,” said Governor Walz. “That’s what this plan aims to do. With input from thousands of Minnesotans, this plan will mitigate the economic, health, and environmental impacts of climate change to make Minnesota a great place to live for generations to come.” 

The Governor says the framework includes six goals, which if achieved, can slow the impacts of climate change and minimize its effects;

• clean transportation
• climate-smart natural and working lands
• resilient communities
• clean energy and efficient buildings
• healthy lives and communities
• clean economy

The framework calls for building out the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, enhanced use of wind and solar energy, and strategies to build carbon storage in forests and soils.

Walz says the actions will grow the economy by creating new jobs around Minnesota, with collaboration from partners in public and private sectors.

New climate goals for Minnesota are based on the best available science from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. These goals include reducing the states greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by 2030, achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and prioritizing investments in climate resilience over the next 10 years.  

To learn more about Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework, CLICK HERE.