Nonpartisan group of local elected officials focused on influencing state climate, clean energy leadership
March 29, 2023, MINNEAPOLIS—A nonpartisan group of Minnesota local elected officials is launching a new coalition focused on influencing state policy and regulations to help cities as they ratchet up their climate and clean energy goals.
The Minnesota Cities Climate Coalition includes representatives from cities across the state. That includes one or more representatives from 21 local governments—such as Bloomington, Duluth, Minneapolis, Moorhead, and Saint Paul—that have passed resolutions declaring climate change emergencies.
The coalition’s efforts are structured around five main principles:
- Climate change is impacting our communities today.
- Local governments face increased insecurity and costs in addressing climate impacts and mitigation projects.
- Local governments are already acting and committing to do more.
- Climate solutions should account for the disproportionate impact climate change has on different groups.
- We call for the State of Minnesota to support us, including by securing federal funding, technical assistance, and funding support.
Members of the coalition are lobbying lawmakers to act on a suite of pending bills in the Minnesota Legislature that boost local and statewide climate adaptation and mitigation, including maximizing federal funding that improves the competitiveness of Minnesota communities and assists federal application processes.
“From shared ideas to shared watersheds, we believe Minnesota’s cities must work together to address the threats and opportunities of our changing climate,” said Carolyn Jackson, coalition co-chair and City of Edina council member.
“Cities must lead to address the climate crisis, and this coalition provides necessary resources to elected officials to respond. By working together, we can all do better,” said Steve Lindaas, coalition co-chair and City of Moorhead council member.
“As Minnesota is facing increasing floods, droughts, and severe storms, its city leaders are doing their part to mitigate climate change and adapt to its new realities,” said Lola Schoenrich, vice president of Communities at the Great Plains Institute, which is facilitating the coalition. “But they cannot do it alone. They need the support from the state and federal governments, and this coalition is a step toward coalescing and coordinating that effort from the ground up.”
Coalition participants represent 21 Minnesota cities that have approved climate emergency resolutions: Bloomington, Columbia Heights, Cook County, Crystal Bay Township, Duluth, Eden Prairie, Edina, Golden Valley, Grand Marais, Grand Rapids, Lauderdale, Maplewood, Minneapolis, Moorhead, Northfield, Red Wing, Robbinsdale, Rochester, St. Louis Park, Saint Paul, and West St. Paul.
About the Minnesota Cities Climate Coalition
The Minnesota Cities Climate Coalition, facilitated by the Great Plains Institute, is a nonpartisan statewide group of local elected officials advancing local climate and clean energy goals by influencing state policy and regulations and sharing best practices and policy ideas. Learn more at www.betterenergy.org/cities-climate-coalition.
About the Great Plains Institute
A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, the Great Plains Institute is transforming the energy system to benefit the economy and environment. Working across the US, we combine a unique consensus-building approach, expert knowledge, research and analysis, and local action to find and implement lasting solutions. Our work strengthens communities and provides greater economic opportunity through creation of higher-paying jobs, expansion of the nation’s industrial base, and greater domestic energy independence while eliminating carbon emissions. Learn more at www.betterenergy.org.
Media Contact:
Darren Goode
(202) 550-6619
