Minnesotans could pay upward of $20 billion every year in a few decades if the state doesn’t adapt to climate change, according to a new study from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

The Legislature-mandated report, which was released Monday, March 16, says the costs of not adapting to the warming climate are higher than if the state began to make necessary changes.

Minnesota has seen heavier rainfall, smokier air and warmer summers in recent years as a result of climate change, according to the report.

“Investing in adaptation reduces costly risks to the state and its residents,” the report said.

If the state invests more in climate projects, it could cost $2.5 billion to $4.1 billion annually, considerably less than what the long-term negative effects are expected to cost Minnesota. Expenses for failure to adapt could balloon up to $57 billion by 2070.

After a bill to lower license tab fees failed in the Minnesota House transportation committee, the cost is unlikely to go down anytime soon.

In 2023, the legislature increased the tax rate for license tab fees, while at the same time dramatically slowing the rate of depreciation, so you pay a higher rate on an artificially high valuation on your vehicle.

There’s a bill in the house to lower the license tab tax rate from 1.575% of your vehicle’s value to 1.285%, while also speeding up the depreciation of your car.

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