Located within one of the most unique urban communities in the country, the Energy Innovation Corridor was formed to create a sustainable energy and transportation showcase. The first-of-its-kind, this clean energy and transportation model extends along the 11-mile Central Corridor light rail transit project route, from the Union Depot in downtown Saint Paul to Target Field in downtown Minneapolis, along Washington and University avenues, via the Minnesota State Capitol and entire University of Minnesota-Minneapolis campus.

Locally, businesses, residents and travelers in the area will benefit from one of the most sophisticated energy and transportation infrastructure systems ever developed, by offering options integrated in a way never before seen. Every member of the community along the corridor will be given the opportunity to experience the future of renewable energy, advanced energy efficiency programs, electric transportation and smart energy technologies.

The Energy Innovation Corridor will advance critical local, state, regional and federal efforts to invest in alternative and renewable energy, address global climate change and create new jobs. This commitment will help the Energy Innovation Corridor be at the forefront of various state, regional and national policies as they relate to the reduction of greenhouse gases.

• Minnesota Next Generation Energy Act – Effective Aug. 1, 2007, Minnesota law calls for cutting the state’s greenhouse gas emissions to 15 percent below 2005 base levels by 2015, 30 percent by 2025 and 80 percent by 2050.
• Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord – Nine Midwestern governors, including Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, and two Canadian premiers signed on to participate or observe in the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord (MGGRA). On June 8, 2009, the MGGRA Advisory Group finalized their recommendations. The governors are now reviewing the recommendations to offer their input on next steps to be taken in the region and at the federal level. 
• American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) – The proposed ACES calls for a 17 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by 2020 and 83 percent by 2050. On June 26, 2009, the ACES was passed by the House.