MN DEED: DEED Announces $5 Million Grant Round for Community Energy Transition Funding

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced a $5 million grant round for eligible communities facing fossil fuel power plant closures to help them craft and deploy economic growth strategies after the power plants close.

DEED's Energy Transition Grant Program is designed to help so-called "energy transition communities" weather initial economic challenges after power plants close so they can eventually take full advantage of the post-fossil fuel clean-energy economy.

"Moving away from fossil fuels provides ample benefits for Minnesotans: cleaner air, long-term economic opportunities in green jobs, lower energy costs and fewer greenhouse gas emissions that are driving climate change. But we know that as plants close, energy transition communities also face initial economic uncertainly," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "It is essential that these communities have the support they need to get through their transitions. Minnesota is stronger when our communities thrive – and DEED embraces our responsibility to help communities as they move to a more sustainable energy system and a cleaner economy."

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