Issue Position: Ensure Environmental Justice & Energy Independence

Issue Position

It is unacceptable for fossil fuel and energy companies to dictate how we treat our planet. We need bold action, and a transformation of our political and economic systems to combat climate change. Those who have been and will most impacted by climate change must be centered in our policies: communities of color and Indigenous populations, along with workers who would be out of employment from a divestment from the fossil fuel industry.

For every $1 million we invest on clean energy infrastructure, we create an average of 17 jobs in all sectors of the U.S. economy, as opposed to only 5 jobs in existing fossil fuel infrastructure jobs
Over the last 10 years, Minnesota has invested in renewable energy, wind and solar, creating more than 170 new clean energy businesses
Minnesota's clean energy industry employs over 54,000 workers and pays wages exceeding the statewide average
Vision and Policy Priorities
ACHIEVE 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY
We need a complete shift away from fossil fuels. We must build a green society, invest in alternative energy sources and energy efficiency programs. Energy efficiency alone is predicted to keep over $2 trillion in the pockets of Americans by 2030, and will create millions of jobs and begin to beat back climate change.

Support the legislation like the Off Fossil Fuels for a Better Future Act (OFF Act), which would put us on a path to 100% renewable energy by 2035
Invest in access to renewable energy for communities that have been most impacted by the impacts of climate change and ensure that renewable energy is affordable for all
Support the Keep It in the Ground Act, which would prohibit new extraction on fossil fuels sitting below federal lands and water
Restore and strengthen the Clean Power Plan
Work with local communities to oppose projects like the Line 3 Replacement Pipeline, PolyMet and Twin Metals mining projects
TRANSITION TO A GREEN ECONOMY
We must break the fossil fuel industry's monopoly over our energy grid and create a just transition to a green economy. I reject the false dichotomy created by the fossil fuel industry between having jobs and a clean environment. We must ensure that those employed in the fossil fuel economy have access to employment in the green economy. A Green New Deal will create millions of jobs for workers in both rural communities and low-wealth communities.

End the millions of dollars fossil fuel corporations receive in tax subsidies each year
Invest in a Green New Deal, ensuring that we are investing in clean energy systems, and providing millions of jobs to workers currently in the fossil fuel economy, and for workers currently shut out of the economy
Invest directly in areas that have been harmed by environmental racism--the disproportionate pollution and environmental degradation experienced by communities of color and indigenous communities
CREATE ZERO-WASTE COMMUNITIES
Achieving zero waste is crucial to building sustainable and resilient communities. Poor waste management negatively affects the health of both local populations and our planet. Areas like North Minneapolis and the Phillips neighborhood are disproportionately affected by air pollution.

Support legislation like the Zero Waste Development and Expansion Act, which would provide funding for local governments to fuel their own zero waste programs
Work with local leaders to shut down harmful garbage incineration facilities, like the Hennepin County Energy Recovery Center (HERC)

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