Monticello – Today, the Energy Transition Advisory Committee will host its first meeting as part of the work to develop a statewide energy transition plan.

The committee was established by the 2021 legislature to advise Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, DEED’s Commissioner, and the legislature on energy transition issues and to establish transition programs, economic initiatives, and transition policy. The newly established Energy Transition Office will be responsible for implementing the recommendations of the Minnesota energy transition plan devised by the Energy Transition Advisory Committee.

“I am looking forward to the work of the Energy Transition Advisory Committee to help develop a statewide energy transition program to support communities facing power plant closures,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “This committee plays a significant role in collaborating with the Energy Transition Office and its new director Carla Vita, to lead efforts that address economic dislocations experienced by impacted communities and workers.”

Meetings will be held monthly until the energy transition plan is submitted to the Governor and legislature. The advisory committee consists of 18 voting members and eight ex officio nonvoting members. A chair and vice chair will be elected at the first meeting.

The voting members of the advisory committee are:

• Michael James Childs Jr - Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, Prairie Island Indian Community
• Mary McComber – Mayor, City of Oak Park Heights
• Marshall Hallock - Administrative Business Director, City of Red Wing
• Tamara Lowney - President & CEO, Itasca Economic Development Corporation
• Kristin Renskers - Business Representative, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
• Luke Lallemont - Business Representative, IBEW Local Union 949
• Mike Hoppe - Journeyman, Troubleman, Xcel Energy
• Richard James Sackett - Lead Plant Electrician Boswell Energy Center, Minnesota Power
• Joshua Skelton - Chief Operating Officer, Minnesota Power
• Richard Evans - Director, Regional Government Affairs, Xcel Energy
• Shane Zahrt - Senior Attorney and Lobbyist, Flaherty & Hood
• Abigail Wozniak - Senior Research Economist and Director, Opportunity & Inclusive Growth Institute, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
• Jamie Fitzke - Manager, Legislative Policy, Center for Energy and Environment
• Karin Housley - Senator, Assistant Majority Leader, District 39
• Jennifer McEwen - Senator, District 07
• Shelly Christensen - Representative, District 39B
• Shane Mekeland - Representative, District 15B
•  Darek Vetsch - Commissioner, Wright County