Minnesota—in protecting freshwater resources and leading the way in creating a clean energy economy—has always been at the forefront of crafting responsible environmental policy. Sen. Smith carries this spirit to Washington and continues to fight for federal policies that seek to combat climate change, preserve clean air and clean water, and protect our most precious natural landscapes.
Despite the great work being done in states like Minnesota, environmental challenges persist every day. Terrible accidents like the Flint water crisis where cost-cutting measures led to dangerous levels of lead in Michigan homes, and sweeping challenges like climate change, make clear that the federal government has an important role to play in protecting our environment. Ignoring this responsibility would put our natural treasures, our public health, and even our economy at risk.
Part of this responsibility means fighting back against efforts to rollback responsible environmental policy. Decisions like pulling out of the Paris Agreement, a landmark international agreement to address climate change, and undermining a plan to reduce air pollution are both outdated and out of touch with what most Americans want. Sen. Smith will fight back against policies that threaten our environment and our public health, but she stands ready work with her colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure our environmental policies work better for Minnesotans and all Americans.
Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar Announce Historic Expansions of Clean Energy Across Rural Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (both D-Minn.), announced historic funding for clean, reliable and low-cost energy across rural Minnesota. Three rural electric cooperatives with operations in the state will receive funding to deploy clean energy or make energy efficiency improvements. More cooperatives are expected to receive funding in the coming months. Minnesota’s electric cooperatives provide electricity to nearly one-third of the state. Senator Smith was instrumental in securing this funding for rural electric co-ops through her work on the clean energy provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act. The three cooperatives selected that operate in Minnesota are: “The clean energy transition is here, and we can either lead or follow. I want Minnesota to lead, and with this announcement, we will,” said Senator Smith. “With this investment, cooperatives can unleash clean energy in a way that works best for their communities. This will fight climate change. This will lower energy costs. And this will strengthen our energy security and resilience by ensuring our rural communities continue to have safe, reliable and clean, American-made energy for years to come.” “Domestically produced renewable power strengthens our energy independence and boosts rural economies,” said Senator Klobuchar. “These Empowering Rural America Program grants will lower rural energy costs, create good paying jobs, and support renewable energy projects in Minnesota and across the country.” “Dairyland Power Cooperative is honored to receive this New ERA award, which provides Dairyland and our member cooperatives with a tremendous opportunity to continue making vital investments in essential clean energy resources,” said
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Announce Significant Biofuel and Clean Energy Expansion Projects Across Minnesota
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN), announced 71 farms and small businesses across Minnesota will receive federal funding to install clean energy technology and make energy efficiency improvements, in addition to 15 awards to build out the infrastructure businesses need to make domestic biofuels more accessible. These investments will lower Minnesota’s carbon emissions while saving consumers money on energy and gas. “Domestically produced biofuel and renewable power systems strengthen our energy independence, support our farmers, and boost rural economies,” said Senator Klobuchar. “These federal funds will also help families and businesses transition to clean energy, reducing their overall energy costs. And through the funding made possible by my bill with Senator Ernst, the Biofuel Infrastructure and Agricultural Product Market Expansion Act, Minnesotans will have better access to biofuels at local gas stations.” “The clean energy transition is happening, and I want us to lead it,” said Senator Smith. “As we make the switch to cleaner, cheaper energy, we need to make sure everyone benefits. That’s why we pushed to expand programs like REAP that help farmers and rural communities looking to install renewable energy systems or HBIIP, which helps businesses invest in the infrastructure they need to expand the use of biofuels. These grants will save farms and small businesses across Minnesota thousands of dollars per year in energy costs, and support producers who are the bedrock of our biofuel industry and reduce harmful emissions.” These projects are made possible through two programs, both of
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar Announce Clean Energy Support for Three Minnesota Tribes
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tina Smith, a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, and Amy Klobuchar (both D-Minn.) announced federal funding to connect Tribal homes to clean electricity, including homes previously not connected to electricity at all. Minnesota Tribes selected for funding include Prairie Island Indian Community, Red Lake Nation and Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. The grants are made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which Senators Smith and Klobuchar both supported. “For generations, Native communities have been hurt by underinvestment and underfunding of basic infrastructure. Our transition to a clean energy economy can’t leave Indian Country behind,” said Senator Smith. “This funding gets us closer to ensuring every household in Minnesota,
U.S. Senators Klobuchar, Smith Announce Significant Federal Funding to Support Conservation and Climate-Smart Agriculture
WASHINGTON, [10.25.23] – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced over $150 million in new funding for climate-smart agricultural and conservation programs in Minnesota. The investments are part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which offers payments and other incentives to address climate change and achieve natural resource benefits. “The Conservation Reserve Program helps equip our farmers with the tools to conserve and improve soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat. And Minnesota farmers and landowners’ participation rates are among the highest in the country,” said Klobuchar. “This critical funding will not only increase economic opportunities but will
U.S. Senators Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Disaster Loans for Minnesotans Affected by Drought
Washington [10/16/23] — Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-Minn.) announced federal loans designed to help small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and nonprofit organizations in Minnesota recoup losses as a result of this summer’s drought. These federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available in Murray and Nobles counties and the contiguous counties of Cottonwood, Jackson, Lyon, Pipestone, Redwood, and Rock Minnesota. “This summer’s drought affected everyone from farmers and ranchers to local business owners,” said Klobuchar. “These federal loans will provide relief and ensure farms and businesses get the support they need as they continue to recover.
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Announces Significant Federal Funding to Combat Extreme Heat, Create More Green Spaces in Minnesota
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) announced over $33 million in federal funding to plant and maintain trees, combat extreme heat and climate change, and improve access to nature in cities, towns, and suburbs throughout Minnesota. The funding is made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act, which Smith helped pass. “As climate change fuels record-breaking heat waves across the country, we need to be doing more to increase tree cover and improve access to nature,” said Smith. “Extreme heat strains our energy systems and has negative effects on public health and overall well-being. These investments, made possible by the
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