Just when Minnesota families were recovering from the tax increases of 2023, a new economic challenge arose during the 2024 legislative session. The proposed Clean Transportation Standard (CTS) threatened to make Minnesota's fuel prices the highest in the nation, potentially impacting both households and businesses.
The CTS aimed to increase the cost of traditional energy sources to encourage a switch to more expensive alternatives. If implemented, residents could face an additional 45 cents to $1 per gallon for gas, with increased transportation costs leading to higher consumer prices.
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) quickly responded by educating voters on the potential consequences of the CTS before it was even debated in the legislature. Through grassroots efforts, AFP successfully opposed the bill, which they claim saved Minnesotans over $700 million annually in fuel costs.
"The domino-effect of the requirements in the bill would affect products, shipping, availability of gas, cause artificial fuel shortages, and force us to rely on a grid that is not yet able to uphold everything being electric," said AFP-MN State Director Jake Coleman.
The CTS intended to reduce CO2 emissions despite Minnesota already progressing towards a 30% reduction. The law would also have relied heavily on electric vehicles and charging stations that might not meet demand.
Before the legislative session began, AFP engaged with residents about the CTS's economic impact. During the session, they facilitated discussions between legislators and activists and mobilized support against the bill. AFP claims their efforts included knocking on 200,000 doors and generating over 9,000 emails from voters urging lawmakers to oppose the CTS.
By emphasizing how working-class and rural communities would be disproportionately affected by the law, AFP assembled a coalition against it. Their opposition led lawmakers to ultimately abandon the bill.
AFP's campaign demonstrated its commitment to advocating for policies that promote economic prosperity without burdensome regulations.
