FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
February 8, 2019 Damian Goebel
Cell: 612.986.8026
Nearly 30 Minnesota Businesses and Organizations Set Vision for Minnesota’s Clean Energy Future
Minnesota Sustainable Growth Coalition members call for an 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
Minneapolis, Minn. – In an effort to promote growth and prosperity for our region, The Minnesota Sustainable Growth Coalition, a business-led collaborative of nearly 30 Minnesota based companies and organizations, has developed their vision for Minnesota’s clean energy future.
The Minnesota Sustainable Growth Coalition’s vision for Minnesota’s clean energy future is that Minnesota will be known for:
* Surpassing the State of Minnesota’s current economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions targets of 30 percent reduction by 2025 and 80 percent reduction by 2050
* Increasing access to affordable, reliable, clean energy to improve racial, economic, social and public health outcomes
* Fueling economic growth for all Minnesotans
“We are excited to leverage private-sector leadership to strengthen our region by guiding Minnesota’s clean energy future” said Amy Fredregill, Managing Director of the Minnesota Sustainable Growth Coalition. “This vision will move our state toward improved racial, economic, social and public health outcomes while fueling economic growth for all Minnesotans.”
The Minnesota Sustainable Growth Coalition energy vision will provide clarity on future actions members may take to create new, innovative energy solutions and influence energy decisions impacting the state.
Members have identified five areas to focus their efforts in the coming years: energy efficiency and conservation, transition to clean energy, optimized energy systems, electrification and greenhouse gas capture and use.
The Minnesota businesses leaders involved with the Minnesota Sustainable growth Coalition understand the benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a clean-energy economy. In addition to mitigating climate risk, some of these benefits include reducing operational and supply chain costs and risks, growing job opportunities for all, attracting and retaining talent in Minnesota and improving Minnesota’s quality of life.
Minnesota Sustainable Growth Coalition members are actively working to advance a circular economy, an economic system where nothing is lost or wasted, and all talents and resources are utilized. The Minnesota Sustainable Growth Coalition is a business-led membership-based organization consisting of 27 members, including: 3M, Ackerberg, Anderson Corporation, Aveda, Best Buy, Cargill, Center for Energy and Environment, Dow Water, Ecolab, Ever-Green Energy, Fairview, Fredrikson & Byron, General Mills, Greater MSP, Great Plains Institute, Great River Energy, Health Partners, HGA, Institute on the Environment at the University of Minnesota, Metropolitan Airports Commission, Medtronic, Metropolitan Council, Minnesota Department of Administration, Target, Tennant, Uponor, and Xcel Energy.