ST. PAUL, MN - In recognition of Climate Week, Governor Tim Walz today highlighted nearly $3.5 billion in federal climate grants that Minnesota has received since 2022. Federal funding, combined with the state’s historic climate investments, is fueling the clean energy economy, creating new jobs, and generating billions in private sector investments statewide.

Examples of Minnesota projects funded with federal grants include:

- A $200 million grant to cut climate pollution from Minnesota’s food systems through support for farmers, electric vehicles, and waste reduction programs
- A $614 million investment in Minnesota and nearby states to improve electrical transmission to allow for more renewable energy
- A $62 million “Solar for All” grant that will help Minnesota increase access to solar energy in low- and moderate-income communities
- An $80 million investment in more than 50 transportation-focused projects like EV chargers in Greater Minnesota and new paths for walking and biking

“Minnesota is leading the way in climate solutions. We have reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved energy efficiency, and invested in climate resilience,” said Governor Walz. “This wouldn’t be possible without federal investments. Together, we will continue to build a cleaner, safer future for Minnesota.”

“The major federal investments that we’re seeing in Minnesota show the momentum our state is building to combat the crisis of climate change,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “With our federal partners, we will continue to protect this state we love and make Minnesota the best place to raise our children.”

In November of 2021, the Biden-Harris administration signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law, authorizing more than $1 trillion of transportation and infrastructure investments. The Inflation Reduction Act , passed in August 2022, is providing more than $370 billion for the development of domestic clean energy production, manufacturing jobs, and climate-focused innovation. Minnesota has leveraged the federal climate-related funds with state funding of about $1 billion, through the work of many in the state, encouraged by initiatives such as the Minnesota State Competitiveness Fund Match Program.

“Our state is leading with real solutions to the climate crisis and collaborating with the federal government to invest in Minnesota,” said MPCA Commissioner Katrina Kessler. “By bringing the vision of our Climate Action Framework to life, we are improving the everyday lives of Minnesotans today and for generations to come.”

In 2023 and 2024, the Minnesota Legislature approved over $1 billion in funding to transition to clean energy, reduce climate pollution, and prepare communities for the impacts of climate change. This funding, along with federal investments, have contributed to significant progress on Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework , the state’s plan to reduce climate pollution and prepare for the impacts of climate change. State funding includes:

- A $100 million Climate Resiliency and Water Infrastructure Grant Program to help communities prepare for climate change
- A $30 million investment in the “Solar for Schools” program
- A $45 million investment in pre-weatherization and workforce training programs to improve homes and grow the clean energy workforce
- $200 million per year in energy transition industries over the next five years
- $52.8million for mitigating and adapting to climate change
- Over $440 million for public transit each year to decrease vehicle miles traveled 20% per capita by 2050

“Minnesota is experiencing an energy transformation with shifts in how we power our homes and businesses,” said Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold. “We are seeing clean energy investments in every corner of the state, for rural electric cooperatives, for schools and local government, for nonprofits, for Tribal Nations, for homeowners and renters, and more. The Commerce Department has been pursuing federal climate grants and providing technical support for other entities to apply for federal climate-related funding.”

“Federal, state, and private investments in clean water, clean energy, strong infrastructure, and environmental sustainability will benefit Minnesota families and communities for many years to come,” said Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Erin Campbell. “An influx of $3.5 billion in federal funding also provides significant economic and employment benefits now and into the future.”

Allocated across state agencies, climate grants are allowing Minnesota to build resilience in the face of extreme weather events linked to climate change. With investments in Minnesota’s natural lands and waters, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has worked to mitigate and adapt to the changing climate. The DNR and its partners continue to prepare for weather extremes by building climate considerations into habitat and infrastructure projects. Funding also allows for sound management strategies of Minnesota’s forests, grasslands, wetlands, and peatlands, resulting in increased carbon absorption and providing clean water, habitat for pollinators and wildlife, economic opportunities, and recreation.

“Minnesotans have seen for themselves how climate change is disrupting our natural resources, whether that’s the landscapes and waterways where we love to spend time, or the fish and wildlife that are such an important part of our ecosystem and identity as a state,” said DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen. “ The DNR is proud to work with our many partners at all levels of the public and private sectors to protect, conserve and manage our natural resources using science- and evidence-driven decision making to help ensure the future strength and vitality of our environment, economy and public health.”