It is important that environmental documents required by the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) include usable information about potential climate effects to support Minnesotans in their efforts to lessen the impacts of climate change and adapt to changes already occurring.
Climate Calculator
March 2026: The Minnesota Environmental Review Climate Calculator has received an update! Based on user feedback, the calculator’s functionality has expanded to include quantitative mitigation, expanded wetland land types, and alternative calculation methods for some emission sources. Below, you can download the latest version, the user manual, and a final report on the new version.
Join us via Teams on March 16, 2026 at 2pm for a training on these updates. Additional trainings will be announced at a future date. If you have any comments or questions on the calculator or the trainings, please email Stephanie Aho.
The calculator helps facilitate the gathering of climate information within the EAW. The calculator provides additional accuracy, transparency, and consistency in answering EAW items 7 and 18 while reducing the time, cost, and uncertainty for government units and project proposers. Local governments, businesses, and the public can use this tool to evaluate how climate change affects their communities, economies, and ways of life.
Assessing a proposed project's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can help decision makers identify opportunities to:
- Reduce GHG emissions
- Improve environmental outcomes
- Make more informed decisions about climate adaptations
Background
In 2023, the EQB received legislative funding to develop a climate calculator to support implementation of the climate-focused revisions to the EAW form. The goal of developing a climate calculator was to make climate assessment consistent, effective, and efficient. The tool is designed to ensure accuracy and consistency of the climate information provided on the EAW form while reducing the time and cost for project proposers to provide information and state and local government agencies to assess applicable climate information.
Additional information
Here, you'll find guidance, best management practices, and resources for completing climate assessments on the approved EAW form.
Below you can find more information about the calculator including the reports, FAQ, and training demonstrations.
Recorded webinar on the calculator overview.
Recorded webinar on the calculator demonstration.
Questions?
Please email Stephanie Aho at stephanie.aho@state.mn.us or call us at 651-757-2873.