Minnesota leads the U.S. in addressing climate change, with the goal of achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040, in alignment with the state’s comprehensive Climate Action Framework, its strategy for addressing and preparing for climate change. Minnesota leaders view addressing climate change as an opportunity to bolster the economy and foster a more inclusive state. Minnesota’s “Drive for 5 Initiative” focuses on recruiting from and providing opportunities for underserved populations in the near-term to meet the high demand and project growth of priority occupational groups, including clean energy, trades, and

New Mexico is currently undergoing an energy transition away from legacy fossil fuel industries, such as oil, gas, and coal, toward a green economy, which requires a skilled workforce for emerging jobs in these industries. Executive Order 2024-152 and New Mexico’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) state plan mandate the state to train 2,000 New Mexicans for infrastructure and climate-ready professions by 2026. Meeting the aspirational mandates of these regulatory requirements presents state leaders with an opportunity to ensure that these climate-ready jobs are of high quality, with accessible