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Minnetonka Today
By the People, for the People
Minnesota House Votes to Rename Community Solar Garden Program After Former Speaker Hortman
The program was a key part of the state's 100% Clean Energy by 2040 goal.
Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:48am
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The Minnesota House unanimously passed a bill to rename the state's Community Solar Garden Program after the late former House Speaker Melissa Hortman. Hortman authored the law establishing the program in 2013 while serving as the Energy Committee chair, which was a crucial step in Minnesota's push for 100% clean energy by 2040.
Why it matters
The Community Solar Garden Program has been an important driver of Minnesota's renewable energy growth, and renaming it after Hortman honors her leadership and legacy in advancing clean energy policies in the state.
The details
In 2013, then-State Representative Melissa Hortman authored the law that established Minnesota's Community Solar Garden Program while she was serving as the chair of the House Energy Committee. This program has been a key part of the state's efforts to reach its 100% Clean Energy by 2040 goal.
- The Minnesota House unanimously passed the bill to rename the program on March 13, 2026.
- Hortman authored the law establishing the Community Solar Garden Program in 2013.
The players
Melissa Hortman
The late former Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, who authored the law establishing the state's Community Solar Garden Program in 2013 while serving as the Energy Committee chair.
Patty Acomb
The current co-chair of the Minnesota House Energy Committee, who authored the bill to rename the Community Solar Garden Program after Hortman.
What’s next
The bill to rename the Community Solar Garden Program after former Speaker Hortman now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
The takeaway
Renaming the Community Solar Garden Program after Hortman honors her leadership in establishing this important clean energy initiative, which has been crucial to Minnesota's progress toward its ambitious renewable energy goals.
