Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria) Chair of the Senate’s Environment Finance Committee released the following statement in response to Governor Walz’s unilateral move to adopt California’s fuel-efficiency laws in Minnesota:

“Since taking office Governor Walz has been proclaiming to be working for “One Minnesota,” but the reality is that his initiatives like “Clean Cars Minnesota” have only deepened the rural metro divide,” said Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen.  “As Walz rushes to align Minnesota’s tax and emission standards with California he continues to leave outstate Minnesotans behind. Walz’s newest initiative will be most painful for them as they’ll see their gas prices and prices they pay for an SUV or pickup only increase.  This is not a way to govern, and Minnesota doesn’t need unilateral measures like AOC’s radical new deal. Instead, Walz should work with the legislature and outstate Minnesota to accomplish bipartisan goals that help our residents, boost our economy, and preserve our environment.”