Patty Acomb

Patty Acomb is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 45B. A member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), she has been in office since 2019. Acomb's legislative work focuses primarily on climate and energy policy, reflecting her background in environmental services and her commitment to sustainability. She represents a district that includes parts of the western Twin Cities metropolitan area, notably the city of Minnetonka.

Early life and career

Patty Acomb was born on September 28, 1965, in Minnetonka, Minnesota. She completed her secondary education at Hopkins High School before pursuing higher education at the University of Minnesota. There, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in natural resources, which laid the foundation for her future work in environmental policy and management.

Following her graduation, Acomb began her professional career at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, where she gained valuable experience in state environmental management. She later worked for Hennepin County Environmental Services, further developing her expertise in local environmental issues. Additionally, Acomb contributed to energy policy at the National League of Cities, where she engaged with broader municipal energy concerns.

Acomb's political career began at the local level when she was elected to the Minnetonka Park Board in 2009. This role marked her entry into public service and allowed her to address community issues related to parks and recreation. In 2012, she transitioned to the Minnetonka City Council, where she served until her election to the state legislature. During her tenure on the council, Acomb was actively involved in several committees, including the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission and the Metropolitan Council Water Supply Advisory Committee. She also participated in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's governmental advisory committee, which provided her with a platform to influence environmental policy at a national level.

In recognition of her expertise, Governor Mark Dayton appointed Acomb to the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, a position she held from 2015 to 2018. This role allowed her to further contribute to water resource management and environmental sustainability in Minnesota.

Legislative service

Patty Acomb was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2018, succeeding two-term DFL incumbent Jon Applebaum, who chose not to seek reelection. Since taking office, Acomb has been reelected every two years, reflecting her ongoing commitment to her constituents and her effectiveness as a legislator.

In the Minnesota House, Acomb has taken on significant leadership roles. She chairs the Climate and Energy Finance and Policy Committee, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping legislation related to climate change and energy efficiency. Additionally, she serves on several other committees, including Health Finance and Policy, Sustainable Infrastructure Policy, and Ways and Means. Her involvement in these committees underscores her focus on integrating environmental considerations into various aspects of state policy.

Acomb's commitment to climate action is further exemplified by her founding of the Minnesota House Climate Action Caucus in 2019, where she serves as chair. This caucus aims to promote legislative initiatives that address climate change and foster a sustainable future for Minnesota. From 2021 to 2022, she also served as vice chair of the Climate and Energy Finance and Policy Committee, further solidifying her leadership in this critical area.

Policy focus and district

Acomb's legislative priorities are heavily centered on climate and energy issues, reflecting her background and expertise in environmental policy. She has been a strong advocate for ambitious climate goals, including efforts to transition Minnesota to zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Her approach to climate policy emphasizes the importance of incentivizing sustainable practices rather than imposing punitive measures. Acomb has expressed a preference for using positive incentives, or "carrots," to encourage businesses and individuals to adopt greener practices.

Among her legislative initiatives, Acomb has authored bills aimed at supporting renewable energy adoption in educational institutions. She has proposed grants for schools to install solar energy systems and has advocated for incorporating energy education into school curricula. These initiatives are designed to promote awareness and understanding of energy issues among students, fostering a generation that is more informed about sustainability.

Acomb has also taken a stance on public utilities and their role in energy policy. She proposed an amendment to prevent public utilities from providing subsidies to builders for the use of natural gas, reflecting her commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Her participation in international discussions on climate change, such as attending the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow in 2021, highlights her engagement with global efforts to address environmental challenges.

Representing District 45B, which encompasses parts of the western Twin Cities metropolitan area, Acomb is attuned to the needs and concerns of her constituents. The district includes the city of Minnetonka and parts of Hennepin County, areas that are experiencing growth and development. Acomb's background in local government and environmental policy positions her well to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing her district.

In her personal life, Acomb resides in Minnetonka with her husband, Craig, and their two children. Her family life and local roots contribute to her understanding of the community she serves, further informing her legislative priorities and approach to governance. Through her work in the Minnesota House of Representatives, Acomb continues to advocate for policies that promote environmental sustainability and address the pressing challenges of climate change.