Latest Releases
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Supports Proposed Sustainable Aviation Fuel Facility Near Moorhead, MN
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier this month, U.S. Senator Tina Smith wrote a letter to Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm pushing for the construction of a proposed $5 billion sustainable aviation fuel production facility in Moorhead, Minnesota, by DG Fuels. The new facility would create 650 jobs and contribute more than $205 million per year to the growing economy of the Moorhead area. It would produce nearly 200 million gallons of near-zero carbon aviation fuel annually, and production at the facility would begin in 2030. “The clean energy transition is here, and I want Minnesota to lead it,” said Senator Smith. “The construction of this sustainable aviation fuel facility will not only boost Moorhead’s regional economy and create jobs, but it will establish Minnesota as a global hub for clean, sustainable, homegrown energy.” Senator Smith has long been a vocal proponent of Sustainable Aviation Fuel production in Minnesota. In July, Senator Smith joined colleagues in sending a bipartisan, bicameral letter urging the U.S. Treasury Department to finalize the rules to implement the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, which would help boost production of clean fuels. Senator Smith is a leader on clean energy in the Senate, securing funding for a multitude of clean energy initiatives across the state, continuing to push for national energy security, U.S. leadership in technological and economic development, and lowering energy costs for Minnesotans. Minnesota has also recently created a state tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel production and blending as well as the Minnesota SAF Hub, created by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Economic Development Partnership. The SAF Hub is focused on establishing the world’s first industrial-scale sustainable aviation fuel economy in Minnesota. You can read Senator Smith’s letter here. ###
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith, Representative Pete Stauber Announce Grant to Provide High-Speed Internet in Pine County
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) and Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN08) announced a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide high-speed, reliable internet to 38 businesses and 147 farms in Pine County. Over 1,000 people in socially vulnerable communities will have direct access to the internet with modern fiber optics running right to their front door. “We should be able to bring high-speed internet to every family in Minnesota— regardless of their zip code,” said Klobuchar. “This funding builds on broadband upgrades going on across our state including Pine County. As co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, I’ll keep working across the aisle to make sure all Minnesotans can reliably access the high-speed internet they need.” “Internet access is not just a luxury in the 21st century, it’s a necessity,” saidSenator Smith. “In Minnesota and across the country, people in rural areas, small towns, and Tribal communities need access to reliable, high-speed internet. Investing in broadband infrastructure with the ReConnect Grant Program will help connect communities in every part of the country to high-speed internet and strengthen communities from the ground up.” Too many rural communities across Minnesota still do not have access to high-speed internet and have been left behind in today’s technology-driven economy. As the Representative of a largely rural area, I am proud to help deliver federal funding to ensure the residents, businesses, and farmers of Pine County have the broadband infrastructure necessary to compete and thrive, ” said Representative Stauber. The investment comes from USDA
In Floor Speech, U.S. Senator Tina Smith Makes Impassioned Case for Federal Legislation Protecting Reproductive Health Freedoms
WASHINGTON, [2.28.22] – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) delivered a speech from the Senate floor urging her colleagues to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would protect the freedom of all Americans to receive the reproductive health care they need, including abortion. As reproductive rights face their greatest challenge since Roe v. Wade was decided decades ago, Senator Smith called on her colleagues to pass federal legislation protecting the freedom of every American to make their own decisions regarding their health, their families, and their future. You can access a video of Sen. Smith’s remarks here. You can read
Senators Klobuchar and Smith Announce Initiatives to Strengthen American Food Supply Chains, Expand Opportunity for Farmers
WASHINGTON, [2.25.22] – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced new plans to shore up American food supply chains and generate economic opportunity for farmers in Minnesota. Thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan, which Klobuchar and Smith helped pass, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making up to $215 million in grants and other support available to expand meat and poultry processing options, strengthen the food supply chain, and create jobs and economic opportunities in Minnesota. “When we support our farmers and ranchers, we make it easier for all families to get food
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on President Biden’s Nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the United States Supreme Court
WASHINGTON, D.C. [02/25/22]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement on President Biden’s nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the United States Supreme Court: “Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is exceptionally well-qualified to serve on the Supreme Court, and her demonstrated commitment to defending the constitutional and civil rights of all Americans makes her an outstanding choice of nominee. This is an exciting and historic nomination; if confirmed, she would be the first Black woman and first former federal public defender on the Supreme Court. Providing advice and consent on Supreme Court nominations is one of my most
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
WASHINGTON, D.C. [02/24/22]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: “Russia’s premeditated and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, a sovereign democratic nation, is an affront to freedom and democracy around the world. Putin’s decision to launch this unjustified war will cause catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. Russia must be held accountable for this blatant and illegal aggression, and I will continue to stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people as they defend their country. I commend the Biden administration for leading a unified front with our NATO allies to impose swift and severe sanctions
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