Tim Walz in The Guardian (U.K.)

On Technology: Boost mass transit & new Amtrak rail line

In 2019, he formed a climate crisis sub-cabinet and advisory board within his administration and, three years later, unveiled a plan that aims to slash planet-heating emissions in half by 2030 and boost the share of electric cars on Minnesota roads to 20%. "This issue will transcend whoever's elected," Walz said at the time. "This issue is not going away. It needs to be addressed."

Also among Walz's climate accomplishments: boosting Minnesota's mass transit, including by championing a new Amtrak rail line, between the Twin Cities and Chicago, which came online in May.

Under Walz's leadership, the state of Minnesota also tackled planet-heating pollution from the building sector by updating its commercial buildings codes and energy efficiency rules while lowering utility costs for low-income households.

Source: The Guardian (UK) on 2024 Vice Presidential hopefuls Aug 7, 2024

On Energy & Oil: By 2040, 100% of utility power from carbon-free sources

Walz has forged a robust climate record during his two gubernatorial terms, most notably by signing one of the strongest green energy bills into law last year. The policy requires Minnesota to eliminate carbon from its electricity generation by 2040, obtaining 100% of its utilities from carbon-free sources. Only a handful of states are requiring the switch to carbon-free electricity to occur at such a rapid pace.

The climate victory came during a legislative session in which Democrats passed dozens of other green policies. Among them: a bill meant to streamline energy permitting that Walz signed in June. "This is a measure that will help protect our environment and get the clean energy projects that are going to help fight climate change in motion," he said.

During his tenure, the governor has also funded clean energy career training and allocated $2bn to natural resources, climate and energy projects in a bill that has been compared to the Inflation Reduction Act.

Source: The Guardian (UK) on 2024 Vice Presidential hopefuls Aug 7, 2024

On Environment: $200M for broad ban on PFAS "forever chemicals"

Under Walz's leadership, the state of Minnesota took on pollution from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as "forever chemicals" or PFAS--when Walz signed one of the nation's broadest bans on the pollutants last year. And the state additionally prioritized environmental justice. In 2022, Walz's 2022 budget called for a $200m investment in clean water and wastewater, and that year, he signed a bill investing $240m in lead pipe replacement. Source: The Guardian (UK) on 2024 Vice Presidential hopefuls Aug 7, 2024

The above quotations are from The Guardian (United Kingdom) political articles. Click here for other excerpts from The Guardian (United Kingdom) political articles. Click here for other excerpts by Tim Walz. Click here for a profile of Tim Walz.
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Page last updated: Nov 03, 2024