ST. PAUL, Minn. — Government officials in Minnesota have looked for ways to lower the carbon footprint of its residents. However, according to a new report by the Center of the American Experiment, it does not appear to be working.
The report finds Minnesotans spending more for energy, despite the billions spent in tax dollars for renewable energy alternatives according to the Daily Caller.
The report concludes Minnesota’s investment of $10 billion over a 19-year span from 1990-2009 has left Minnesota sitting in the middle of the pack when it comes to renewable energy, while energy costs have risen more than 18 percent, with Minnesota having higher than average prices for the first time in as many years.
However, on top of rising costs, the solar project in Minnesota has also racked up considerable debt.
As Alpha News reported in July, Aurora, the state’s largest solar project owes more than $85 million to various subcontractors.
The city of Minneapolis has joined the state in its efforts to become completely dependant on renewable energy, setting a separate goal to be met by 2022, Alpha News reports.
The Daily Caller reports Minnesota is looking to cut down its carbon footprint by 80 percent come 2050.
In April, Lt. Gov. Tina Smith praised Minnesota’s ranking as the seventh greenest state. “Ten years ago, Minnesota enacted the bipartisan Next Generation Energy Act, and today more than 21 percent of Minnesota’s electricity comes from renewable sources,” Smith told Alpha News in April. “If we redouble our efforts, and raise Minnesota’s Renewable Energy Standard to 50 percent by 2030, we will improve air quality, continue to drive down the cost of renewable energy, and generate thousands of new energy jobs.”
Though Minnesota ranked high in things like soil quality and recycling facilities, the state was ranked 31st in climate change contribution.
Preya Samsundar
Preya Samsundar was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. She graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities this Spring with a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology, with a minor in Strategic Communications. Preya has previously worked on several State Campaign Races.
