Minnesota's advocate for climate and clean energy, Melissa Hortman, made significant strides.

Melissa Hortman: A Pioneer in Minnesota's Clean Energy Policy

Melissa Hortman, a prominent figure in Minnesota's political landscape, made significant strides in the state's clean energy and climate policy during her two-decade legislative career.

Hortman, a Democrat, won a state House seat in 2004 after twice trying. Her political journey saw her rise through the ranks, serving as speaker pro tempore, deputy minority leader, minority leader, and speaker. During her tenure as speaker, she led three legislative sessions from 2019.

One of Hortman's most notable achievements was her involvement in passing some of the country's most ambitious state-level clean energy policies. In 2013, under her leadership, a law was passed requiring utilities to obtain 1.5% of their electricity from solar by 2020, with a goal of 10% by 2030. This legislation was a significant milestone, establishing one of the country's first community solar programs.

Hortman's commitment to clean energy was evident in her work on the community solar bill. She prepared meticulously to defend the bill and convince others, including Republicans, that it could be something they could support. John Farrell, director of the Energy Democracy Initiative at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, recalled Hortman's dedication to the cause.

In 2013, Hortman also chaired the House Energy Policy Committee, a crucial year for solar policy. During this time, she helped pass legislation that established Minnesota's community solar program.

Hortman's vision for more ambitious state climate goals and policy may have begun to percolate during the 2015 Paris climate talks, where she was part of the University of Minnesota's delegation. Her approach to policy was to seek reasons why it might align with the values of others, even Republicans.

Michael Noble, who worked with Hortman for over 20 years, stated that clean energy was Hortman's first love, and she had a deep understanding of climate and clean energy issues. Nicole Rom, former executive director of the Minnesota-based youth climate advocacy group Climate Generation, echoed this sentiment, saying Hortman was committed to educating herself on climate issues.

Tragically, Hortman was shot and killed in her suburban Minneapolis home on Saturday in what authorities say was a politically motivated assassination. The alleged gunman, Vance Boelter, is also charged with attempted murder for shooting Democratic Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.

Despite the tragic end to her life, Hortman's legacy in Minnesota's clean energy and climate policy remains. The result of her efforts was the strong climate legislation Minnesota accomplished in 2023. Hortman's work will continue to inspire future generations of policy makers to strive for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Michael Noble served as Executive Director of the organization "Clean Energy Economy Minnesota," which is dedicated to clean energy policy advocacy in Minnesota. The organisation continues to carry on Hortman's legacy in her absence.

Minnesota's advocate for climate and clean energy, Melissa Hortman, made significant strides.