Walz Touts Minnesota Climate Record at COP31 in Türkiye: 40-Plus Laws Signed, More Than $1 Billion Invested
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz brought his state's record of climate action to the global stage at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Türkiye, highlighting how state leadership can cut emissions, protect natural resources, strengthen communities and create economic opportunity. At COP31, Walz joined governors, mayors and international leaders to discuss how states and cities are advancing climate solutions, building partnerships and delivering tangible benefits for residents.
"Climate action is about protecting the things Minnesotans cherish: clean air and water, healthy communities, and the farms, forests and outdoor spaces that sustain us," Governor Walz said. "Minnesota has paired ambitious goals with real investments and strong environmental protections. We're showing that climate leadership at the state level creates good jobs, strengthens our economy and makes life better for people across the state."
During the conference, Walz spoke on behalf of the U.S. Climate Alliance regarding the role of governors in advancing climate action and joined discussions with international leaders on scaling practical solutions. He also met with United Nations leadership and climate representatives from France, the Netherlands and Wales to discuss collaboration and Minnesota's clean energy work.
Since taking office, Governor Walz has signed more than 40 climate laws and directed more than $1 billion in state funding toward climate change mitigation and adaptation, according to his office. His administration established a Climate Change Subcabinet, released Minnesota's first Climate Action Framework in 2022, and updated it in 2026 to guide the state's work to reduce climate pollution and prepare communities for climate impacts.
A cornerstone of that work is Minnesota's 100% carbon-free electricity law, which requires utilities to provide carbon-free power by 2040, with a 55% renewable electricity benchmark by 2035. In 2024, more than half of the state's electricity came from carbon-free sources. The administration also streamlined clean-energy permitting and invested more than $100 million in local climate resilience and water infrastructure, established a $105 million climate innovation finance authority, and updated building codes to reduce energy use in new buildings.
Minnesota is pairing clean energy growth with environmental safeguards. The state's sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit supports lower-carbon fuel while ensuring domestic feedstocks and protecting natural lands from conversion. Since July 2026, the state's first SAF blending facility has been delivering fuel to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, with capacity to blend up to 30 million gallons annually.
Related: More Than 120 U.S. State and Local Leaders Head to Antalya for COP31
Source: Office of Governor Tim Walz
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：位于 St. Paul 的明尼苏达州议会大厦。xiquinhosilva 摄，CC BY 2.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: The Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. Photo by xiquinhosilva, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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