Minnesota legislators agree on first major energy bill in years

May 19, 20210

Anthony Souffle, Star Tribune count

The solar panel manufacturer Heliene in Mountain Iron could get more space from funds approved by a Minnesota House and Senate conference committee. Pictured are workers in 2019 preparing to attach the connection components to the back of the assembled panel.

The Minnesota House and Senate agreed this week on expanding the state's energy conservation program, the most significant energy legislation in recent years.

The Energy Conservation and Optimization Act should increase spending by utilities on conservation programs, particularly to low-income households. Gov. Tim Walz is expected to sign the legislation.

"It's possibly the biggest piece of energy legislation we have passed in several years," said Rep. Jamie Long, DFL head of the House Committee on Climate and Energy Finance and Policy. "This will be really meaningful."

https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-legislators-agree-on-first-major-clean-energy-bill-in-years/600058627/