FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2026
Gov. Walz declares today, April 21, Clean Energy Business Day
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has declared today, April 21, Clean Energy Business Day. The 10th annual Clean Energy Business Day (CEBD) program begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Minnesota State Capitol rotunda, featuring remarks from government officials and clean energy business leaders.
Hosted by a coalition of leading clean energy organizations, the event brings together clean energy business leaders and Minnesota legislators at a moment when energy security, grid reliability, and consumer energy costs have moved to the center of political debate at both the state and federal levels. This year’s event marks a decade of clean energy leadership, business growth, and bipartisan collaboration advancing Minnesota’s clean energy economy.
“Clean Energy Business Day is a reminder that Minnesota’s clean energy economy is no longer a future concept. It is delivering results today,” said Gregg Mast, Executive Director of Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM). “Over the past decade, our industry has grown into a major economic engine, employing 64,000 Minnesotans and strengthening communities across the state. As we mark the 10th annual Clean Energy Business Day, we celebrate that progress while focusing on what comes next. This includes durable, practical policy that meets rising demand with reliable, affordable energy. With strong state leadership, Minnesota will continue building an energy system that is competitive, resilient, and built to last.”
“Over the past ten years, Minnesota has built one of the strongest solar markets in the Midwest, turning smart policy and industry collaboration into real results for communities across the state,” said Logan O’Grady, Executive Director of the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA). “Clean Energy Business Day reflects that success and the broad coalition that has helped drive it forward. The next decade is about scaling that impact. Minnesota has the opportunity to lead nationally by expanding solar and energy storage, strengthening our grid, and ensuring families and businesses can fully participate in and benefit from the clean energy transition. With the right continued focus, we can deliver lower costs, greater reliability, and sustained economic growth across the state.”
“Minnesota is not only leading the Midwest in climate policy but proving to be a national leader to emulate,” said Brent Suski, Director of Market Transformation and Development at U.S. Green Building Council. “By prioritizing clean workforce development alongside climate action, Minnesota has demonstrated that investors are not scared of climate action. There is almost 139 million square feet of LEED-certified space in the state, with the vast majority owned by corporations and investors. When supportive policies meet investment in a next-generation work force, growth follows, and all of Minnesota benefits.”
“On the 10th anniversary of Clean Energy Business Day, we’re proud to celebrate a decade of progress in Minnesota, where investments in energy efficiency have lowered costs for families and businesses, strengthened our economy, and positioned our state as a national leader in energy efficiency that makes clean energy affordable for all,” said Aly Eilers, Manager of Legislative Affairs for Center for Energy and Environment (CEE).
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About MnSEIA: The Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association is a 501(c)6 nonprofit, promotes and protects Minnesota’s solar and energy storage industries. We harness the strength of our 160+ member companies at the state legislature, in the regulatory arena, and the courtroom. We Move MN Solar + Storage Forward in a unified and actionable way that establishes a vibrant sector of the clean energy economy. Find out more at www.mnseia.org.
