In 2023, the Minnesota legislature created the state's first “Green Bank” under the authority of the Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority (MCIFA). This positioned the state to receive Federal funds that can be used to attain previously adopted greenhouse gas emission reduction goals:

1. 100% of electricity generated or procured for use in Minnesota must be from carbon-free resources by 2040, and

2. greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota must be reduced 80%, as measured from 2005 to 2050.

The green bank legislation was supported by a broad coalition that included LWV Minnesota, along with 26 other organizations. The discussion will include how the “Green Bank” model works; the ways MNCIFA is modeled after other successful green banks; and the value of using innovative financing to advance the mission of transitioning to clean, renewable energy—equitably and at the necessary scale and pace. Via Zoom; request invitation at https://www.lwvsca.org/