A Brief Update on CURE’s priorities at the end of the Regular Legislative Session
This is the third CURE Legislative update of 2025. Stay tuned for our end-of-session wrap-up at the conclusion of the special session.
As of Monday, May 19th, the 2025 Regular Session of the Minnesota State Legislature has come to an end. But because the legislature was unable to pass key budget bills by that deadline, we’re heading into a special session. It’s not clear how long a special session might take, but in the meantime, here’s a quick update on where CURE’s priorities stand (see our first and second blogs for a refresher):
Defending our Wins:
Minnesota’s 100% Carbon-Free Energy Law: Despite numerous attempts by members of both parties to weaken this law through industry exemptions, it appears that these efforts will not succeed. The two provisions that made it into the Senate Energy Omnibus bill—classifying the combustion of carbon-emitting B100 and woody biomass as “carbon-free”—were removed before the bill was sent to Conference Committee.
Supporting Zero Waste Initiatives:
Despite a promising start and bipartisan support, the E-waste bill stalled due to industry pressure. It is unlikely that the bill will pass this year.
Protecting Public Lands and Waters:
While bills mitigating the impact of off-highway vehicles (OHV) and new OHV trails did not make it through the necessary committees, CURE looks forward to continuing our support next year.
Attempts to roll back the essential public waters inventory definition change the legislature passed in 2024 have so far been unsuccessful. Unfortunately, the legislature also took a pass on appropriating funding for the creation of a water atlas to better understand our water resources throughout the state.
Data Centers:
Despite widespread opposition, legislative leaders, state agencies, and the Governor continue to negotiate with data center lobbyists over proposed tax breaks and environmental exemptions for hyperscale data centers. CURE has repeatedly shared our concerns with these proposed bills and is watching these behind-the-scenes discussions closely.
Learn more about concerns around Data Center development in Minnesota.
Net Metering:
Thanks to the vocal input on the benefits of net metering from folks across Minnesota, the language weakening our existing net metering system was removed from the Senate Energy Omnibus and is unlikely to pass this year.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF):
Whether SAF will get a financial boost this year remains in question. The Senate Tax Omnibus bill would extend the existing tax credit for SAF, but the House Tax Omnibus would not. We remain concerned that discussions about SAF have not adequately addressed the potential impacts of its production—both good and bad—on our environment and communities.
By Sarah Mooradian, Government Relations & Policy Director
