Wind on the Wires Applauds Lt. Gov. Tina Smith's Leadership on Clean Energy

ST. PAUL, MINN. (February 27, 2017) - Today, Governor Dayton's administration announced a proposal to increase the state's Renewable Energy Standard to 50 percent by 2030.

Following Lt. Gov. Smith's address, Wind on the Wires Executive Director Beth Soholt said:

"This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Next Generation Energy Act, which established our current Renewable Energy Standard.  Over these 10 years, we have witnessed the success of this policy: billions of dollars have been invested in Greater Minnesota, farmers and local governments are receiving millions in new revenue, and thousands of Minnesotans now work in the clean energy industry.  Best of all, Minnesota utilities have done an outstanding job integrating this increased level of renewable energy, and they've done it in a way that has had minimal impacts on rates in the short-term and millions of dollars of consumer savings over the life of wind projects.

We strongly support the Administration's renewed focus on growing our state's clean energy industry. Numerous reports suggest this policy is a smart way to drive investment in rural Minnesota, reduce carbon, and diversify our energy portfolio in a cost-effective way. Wind on the Wires stands ready to help make the Governor's vision a reality."

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Wind on the Wires is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, Minn., that works to advance renewable energy in the Midwest. Its members are comprised of wind and solar developers, environmental organizations, tribal representatives, public interest groups, clean energy advocates, farm groups and businesses providing goods and services to the wind and solar industries.