Joel Johnson, director of The Coalition for a Secure Energy, in conjunction with the Lignite Energy Council, announced a series of “Energy Champion” awards to a group of Minnesota legislators this summer. Recipients of the award have championed an all-of-the-above energy strategy for Minnesota to ensure that consumers and businesses have access to affordable and reliable electricity.

This year’s award winners were:

• Senator Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa), Senate Majority Leader
• Senator Carrie Ruud (R-Breezy Point)
• Representative Kurt Daudt (R-Crown), House Minority Leader
• Representative Anne Neu (R-North Branch)
• Representative Paul Torkelson (R-Hanska)
• Representative Shane Mekeland (R-Becker)

The Coalition is proud to recognize these leaders for their work on behalf of hardworking Minnesotans who count on reliable and affordable electricity. Each of these officials have been a career long advocate for consumers to ensure that electric rates are affordable and access to electricity is always reliable.  These legislators continue to be supportive of industry efforts including working with business and labor leaders to protect the direct and in-direct jobs provided by the lignite industry.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the awards were presented via Zoom meetings.

Pictured: The award was presented to Sen. Gazelka by Dan Carlisle, CEO of Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative, Joel Johnson, Jonathan Fortner of the Lignite Energy Council, and Luke Hellier of the Coalition for a Secure Energy Future. The Coalition was founded in 2014 to enhance, preserve, and protect our diverse set of energy resources, including coal-based electricity, to ensure a continued affordable and reliable energy supply for families and businesses in Minnesota. Learn more at www.secureenergyfuture.org