Prepared remarks delivered by Minnesota Senator Tina Smith at the official launch of the EV Spot Network: EV Spot Charging and Evie Carshare.
This project is building out the infrastructure of a clean energy economy and making our cities more fair and just. The reality is that we are at the beginning of a climate crisis that is threatening our economy, our health, our way of life. But the good news is that we have the tools to innovate and adapt, and to turn this crisis into an opportunity. And that’s what we are seeing today.
We need to rapidly reduce carbon emissions, and we will do it by:
Cleaning up the electric grid by transitioning fast to clean power.
Make everything we do as energy efficient as possible.
And, electrify everything we can.
And a big part of this will be transitioning to electric vehicles – because the transportation sector is the single biggest contributor of carbon pollution. Strong climate action and the transition to clean energy will create millions of good jobs, improve our health, and make our economy more productive and more fair. And it will lower energy prices for consumers.
President Biden’s Infrastructure and Jobs Act will also contribute to projects like this, in Minneapolis/St. Paul and all across Minnesota. Every Minnesotan deserves access to affordable, healthy, and clean transportation to help them get around their community safely.
So, I’m very grateful for the strong leadership of Mayor Carter and Mayor Frey, and Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan at the state level. But I’m especially grateful for the grassroots leadership of community leaders who organize and advocate for their communities every day.
I’m very happy to be here today to hear more about the electric carshare program from Tabitha Montgomery of the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association.
