Clips - Senate DFL Creates Caucus to Address Climate Change

DFL Senators announced the creation of a new Clean Energy & Climate Caucus, which piggybacks on efforts by Governor Tim Walz with the recently formed Climate Subcabinet and the House DFL Climate Action Caucus established in September. Senate DFL members appeared before the media at a State Capitol press conference Tuesday, December 10.

Senator Nick Frentz, DFL-North Mankato, chair of the 29-member group, said the caucus goals include the promotion of hearings on legislation that will address clean energy and climate change, advocacy for clean energy proponents and businesses and the advancement of science-based evidence. The new caucus plans to hold public listening sessions around the state to learn more from Minnesotans concerned about how the changing climate is affecting regions and livelihoods, according to Frentz.

Noting that the Senate DFL has struggled to get bills heard in committee in the Republican-led Senate, Minority Leader Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, hopes that the formation of this caucus will encourage the majority to schedule hearings on clean energy proposals. “We’ve seen thousands of people come to the Capitol over the last legislative session urging us to make this issue a priority,” he said. “And as I personally reflect on it, I’ve thought about the fact that the future’s really not mine. But the future does belong to my grandchildren.”