On Tuesday, Oct. 10, Sen. Julia Coleman (R-Waconia) was recognized as the Minnesota Solar Energy Industry Association’s (MnSEIA ) Gateway to Solar 2023 Distinguished Policy Award recipient. Coleman was presented this award at the 2023 Gateway to Solar conference for championing policies that support Minnesota’s solar energy entrepreneurs. 

“I’m proud to be able to support a developing industry giving my constituents greater options for energy while also helping create good jobs right here in Minnesota,” Coleman said. “Consumers deserve every opportunity to energy choices that give them access to reliable and affordable energy, and a strong solar energy industry in Minnesota is a win-win of good jobs and quality energy choices.” 

During the 2023 session, Coleman served as chief author of legislation to support property owners who live in homeowner’s associations and want to use solar power. Many homeowner’s associations were placing extensive restrictions on homeowners limiting their ability to invest in solar panels for their own homes and this change will give them the right to choose them with more limited restrictions.  

Additionally, Coleman authored legislation to develop Minnesota’s MN Energy Alley.  The legislation aims to replicate the success of Minnesota’s Medical Alley and help develop clean energy entrepreneurship.  

“MnSEIA and our 156 member companies are grateful for Senator Coleman’s tireless advocacy on behalf of her constituents. Her work to remove barriers for those in her district looking to go solar and save on their electric utility bills has been vital to the advancement of our industry,” MnSEIA’s Executive Director Logan O’Grady said. “Senator Coleman understands that supporting energy choice and freedom is good for all Minnesota communities: from homeowners, renters, farmers, other small business owners, and the over 5,000 Minnesotans working within and throughout the solar energy industry. We are proud to recognize Senator Coleman as our 2023 Distinguished Policy Leader and look forward to our continued work with her to Move MN Solar + Storage Forward.”

MnSEIA’s mission is to grow Minnesota’s solar and energy industries through public policy, education, job creation, and sustainable industry development. Learn more about the organization at www.mnseia.org.