Clean Energy Economy MN (CEEM) presented its 2020 Clean Energy Legislative Champion Award to Senator Dave Senjem (R-Rochester) at an online ceremony on Tuesday.

Over the course of his nearly two-decade career as the senior senator from Rochester, Senator Senjem has been a lead voice within the Republican caucus of the Minnesota Senate, working toward a transition to clean, affordable and reliable energy.  His most recent work involved his authorship of the Clean Energy First bill; legislation which would direct the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to prioritize energy efficiency and carbon-free resources when evaluating utilities’ integrated resource plans while also ensuring reliability, affordability, and local benefits to Minnesota citizens and workers. Sen. Senjem has also made a total of five exchange trips to Germany to learn from the European nation’s leadership on all things related to clean energy. 

“Sen. Senjem has been a steadfast champion for clean energy jobs, innovation, and a clean energy future for Minnesota. His efforts have laid important groundwork for building a stronger and more resilient clean energy economy in our state. We thank him for his leadership,” said Gregg Mast, Executive Director of CEEM.

In addition to his significant contributions on Clean Energy First, CEEM applauds Sen. Senjem’s work on the recently passed $1.9 billion bonding bill which creates new opportunities for many energy efficiency and clean energy businesses.

“I truly believe that my work on clean energy issues in Minnesota is the most important work I’ve ever done in my time at the Minnesota Senate. As I have become educated about this issue, my ideas and support has evolved. I want to thank the entire Clean Energy Economy MN team, board, and members for this recognition, it means a lot to me,” said Sen. Senjem.

“Having local elected officials truly understand our business and how policy decisions impact our ability to achieve business objectives is critically important. Werner Electric has been very grateful for our partnership with Senator Senjem over the years, and we’re thrilled to help congratulate him on this very well-deserved recognition,” said Brian Bakalyar, Solar Supervisor at Werner Electric’s Rochester location.