Friends and neighbors,

I have been getting a fair amount of questions about a proposal in the legislature called "Clean Transportation Fuel Standards.” It is another feel-good environment bill that will have virtually no impact on climate but will dramatically increase costs for hardworking Minnesotans.

The bill grants the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDoT) sweeping authority to aggressively reduce carbon emissions from transportation fuels through extreme regulations and standards.

According to estimates, these standards could lead to a staggering $1.80 increase in gas prices per gallon by 2040. This translates to thousands of extra dollars per year in expenses for the typical Minnesota household – a burden that would disproportionately hurt lower-income families.

The targets far exceed the recommendations of MnDOT's own Clean Transportation Standard (CTS) working group. The bill's mandates of 25% by 2030 and a staggering 75% by 2040 are not only unrealistic but also fail to account for the crippling economic consequences for families.

The bill even fails to exempt providers of fuel for emergency vehicles such as fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars – a glaring oversight that could potentially jeopardize the safety and well-being of our communities.

What will all these extreme and expensive regulations get us? A nearly immeasurable 0.00095° C reduction in global temperatures by 2100.

These Clean Transportation Fuel Standards represent only one thing: Democrats’ pursuit of a radical ideological agenda at the expense of Minnesota families’ bank accounts. Rather than imposing such extreme regulations, we should prioritize the effort to Repair Minnesota by easing the burden on taxpayers and fostering growth and prosperity.

Center of the American Experiment did a fantastic report on this issue. You should read the whole thing, which is posted on the Senate website: https://assets.senate.mn/committees/2023-2024/3132_Committee_on_Transportation/SF%202584%20CAE%20full%20report.pdf

If you have any questions please let me know.

God Bless,