On Monday, Governor Tim Walz held a press conference to sign a new executive order establishing the Climate Change Subcabinet and the Governor’s Advisory Council on Climate Change. The Subcabinet, comprised of representatives from across Walz’s administration, will work to identify policies and strategies that to enhance the climate resiliency of Minnesota’s natural resources, working lands, and communities. This includes administering controversial policies like Governor Walz’s Clean Cars initiative and expensive plans to get Minnesota to 100% clean energy by 2050.

Following the press conference Senator David Osmek (R-Mound) issued the following statement:

“Today, Governor Walz announced another initiative that goes against his promise to residents to lead Minnesota collaboratively under the banner of “One Minnesota.” The Governor’s new Climate Change Subcabinet does not represent a diverse group of Minnesotans as he would have you believe. Instead of diversity, it made up of a combination of metro Democrats and representatives from his administration. Rather than create a group think situation, Walz’s should include Republicans, industry experts, and residents from across the state to cultivate ideas and solutions. GOP need not apply is not the solution.”

“This same mentality is what led the Governor to propose a 20-cent gas tax that is resoundingly unpopular. What happens to the Governor’s Subcabinet and resulting proposals when residents find out that his radical environmental agenda will result in their energy rates increasing two or three-fold?”

“I am disappointed to see the Governor treat important policy-making as an emperor’s decree, rather than collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. As Chair of the Senate’s Energy and Utilities Committee, I understand the importance of collaboration and look forward to upcoming hearings on our bipartisan revised Clean Energy First proposal in January. I hope the Governor considers our plan so that we can work collaboratively to create a Minnesota that we can all be proud of.”