Latest Releases
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Federal Funding to Improve Electrical Grid Resilience Against Severe Weather
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they secured federal funding for Xcel Energy’s extreme weather mitigation project through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program. This funding will support Xcel Energy projects to boost grid resilience against extreme weather like blizzards, severe cold, and ice storms which threaten electric reliability. “It’s critical that our electric grid is able to withstand extreme weather,” said Klobuchar. “This federal funding will improve the resilience and reliability of our electric grid to keep the lights on for families and businesses all while creating good-paying jobs.” “As climate-fueled extreme weather becomes more common, it’s critical that our power grid is reliable and can withstand threats from severe weather and other harsh conditions,” said Smith. “Modernizing our electric grid is a win for the environment and for Minnesotans who will benefit from more affordable, reliable electricity. I am proud of our work to help deliver these investments and look forward to seeing the benefits of a stronger, more reliable energy grid.” This funding was made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Klobuchar and Smith helped pass in 2021.
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Federal Funding to Strengthen Electric Grid Reliability and Resilience in Minnesota
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they secured federal funding for upgrades to Minnesota Power’s High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) terminal stations through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program. This project will modernize the aging terminal stations of a 465-mile HVDC transmission line that runs from Center, North Dakota, to Hermantown, Minnesota, to strengthen grid reliability in rural areas and improve access to affordable, clean electricity. “Investments in our infrastructure are down-payments on the economic well-being of our state,” said Klobuchar. “This federal funding will allow us to upgrade these aging terminal stations, boost economic development in northern Minnesota, and create hundreds of good-paying jobs all while supporting our renewable energy goals.” “Modernizing our electric grid is a win for the environment and for Minnesotans who will benefit from more affordable, reliable electricity,” said Smith. “I am proud of our work to help deliver these investments and look forward to seeing the impact of these improvements on energy prices and grid reliability.” This funding was made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Klobuchar and Smith helped pass in 2021. Earlier this year, Klobuchar and Smith sent letters to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in support of Minnesota Power’s HVDC terminal station upgrade project.
Sen. Tina Smith Calls for 2018 Federal Funding Bill to Invest in Minnesotans
As the Senate works on this year’s federal spending bill—often referred to as the appropriations process—U.S. Senator Tina Smith is fighting to prioritize investments in Minnesota families, seniors, and communities. The bill is expected to be released later this month. In a letter sent to leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Smith said “I look forward to working with you throughout the appropriations process to provide strong funding for programs that support the health, education, safety, and prosperity of Minnesotans.” You can read a full list of her priorities here or below: Dear Chairman Cochran and Vice Chairman Leahy: As the
Sen. Smith Makes Major Childcare Access and Affordability Push
U.S. Senator Tina Smith recently launched her “Childcare Access and Affordability” listening sessions across Minnesota, and back in Washington, she’s taking what she’s learning from the state to work on behalf of parents who are attending higher education but lack access to adequate child care options. Sen. Smith recently signed on as a cosponsor of the Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools (CCAMPIS) Reauthorization Act, which would help meet the needs of student parents who often struggle to find reliable, affordable child care. In addition, Sen. Smith has joined a group of her colleagues in calling on Senate funding
Sens. Tina Smith, Lisa Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Mental Health Services in Schools
WASHINGTON, D.C. [03/12/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced a bipartisan bill to expand mental health services in the school system. The Improving Access to Mental Health Services Act would bring mental health professionals who currently work in the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) into schools, community-based organizations, and into the homes of families who need the services. Right now, NHSC professionals can only provide care at certain approved clinics and are limited in the care they can provide off site. This bipartisan legislative effort would allow communities in Minnesota, Alaska, and across the country to bolster their mental
Sen. Tina Smith Stands up for Minnesota Jobs & American Energy Independence, Presses White House to Preserve Strong Renewable Fuel Standard
U.S. Senator Tina Smith is calling on the White House to support Minnesota’s rural communities and American energy independence by maintaining a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), the federal program that sets the level of biofuels—like ethanol and biodiesel—that are blended into our nation’s fuel supply. After a series of postponed meetings between the White House and U.S. biofuel producers—sparking fears that there may be an attempt to weaken the RFS—Sen. Smith is urging the Administration’s top energy officials to come together with renewable energy leaders and discuss how to preserve and protect the program. “I fought for a spot
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