Decarbonize: The Clean Energy Podcast: Recent Episodes
Fresh Energy
Fresh Energy is speeding Minnesota’s transition to a clean energy economy, which will ensure that our region enjoys good health, a vibrant economy, and thriving communities today and for generations to come. Working purely in the public interest, Fresh Energy’s team of scientists, economists, policy analysts, and educators develops and advances solutions that secure a clean energy future where all can thrive. Sign up for our monthly listserv focused on clean energy issues in Minnesota here: https://fresh-energy.org/
On July 4, 2025, the federal budget reconciliation bill was signed into law, a move that will have sweeping implications for clean energy and climate progress in the United States. But how will these cuts and changes impact Minnesota’s clean energy future?
Tune into the audio recording of our webinar from August 6 and join our policy experts for a discussion about the law’s implications for clean energy. We also have a lengthy blog on the topic that you can check out here.
Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.
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In this episode, the Fresh Energy team discusses the challenging topic of mining and the transition to clean energy. The conversation covers a broad range of topics including investments in clean energy and the need for materials, material waste and recycling, the socioeconomic impacts of mining, what gets mined and what it's used for, the global demand for these materials, and more.
Tune into this episode hosted by Justin Fay, Chief Advocacy Officer at Fresh Energy with guests Brandon Isakson, Managing Director of Industry at Fresh Energy and Kwezi Tabaro, who joined Fresh Energy as a Fulbright, H. Humphrey Fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.
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Let’s talk about what happened (or still needs to happen) at the Minnesota Legislature! Join Fresh Energy policy experts for a webinar we recorded the day after the legislative session ended to learn what where things currently stand, what was defended, what's next, and more.
Webinar guests:
- Justin Fay, chief advocacy officer
- Brynn Kirsling, director, legislative and grassroots advocacy
- Jackson Sweeney, session associate
Also...
- The Fresh Energy team is able to give clean energy and climate policy in Minnesota our all because of our donors! You can support Fresh Energy's work here.
- Fresh Energy is hiring! Learn about job opportunities here.
Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.
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More and more Minnesotans are leveling up their lawn care with an electric mower. But do they live up to the hype and can they tackle the tough stuff?
The good news is that for most residential uses, and increasingly more and more commercial uses, electric mowers are actually a superior and more economical choice than gas mowers. Battery technology has advanced dramatically in the past decade and due to this, we’re seeing more powerful electric cars and more capable electric lawnmowers.
Join us for a webinar we recently recorded with Jukka Kukkonen and guests from Fresh Energy and the Minnesota clean Cities Coalition.
View the video version of the webinar here: https://fresh-energy.org/event/webinar-your-guide-to-mowing-electric
Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.
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Guest Ep! The Impact of Uncertainty with Linda Lubi, Haley Deans, Osman Jermusek, Emma Kapinus, Hariette Ngam, Helen Grote, students at the University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment.
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Show Notes:
Across the State of Minnesota and the Nation, the clean energy sector is confronting the impacts of funding uncertainty. Millions of grant dollars towards Minnesota rebate programs, solar projects for schools, and nonprofit initiatives remain frozen, delayed, or rescinded. As the path ahead is unclear for Minnesota’s renewable energy efforts, how do communities and governments navigate the ever-changing landscape of federal funding? In collaboration with Fresh Energy, we met with government and community leaders at the forefront of these federal changes. We developed this podcast, incorporating our interviews and research-based commentary, aiming to create an informative experience for all prospective listeners. Our podcast maps the current funding landscape, acknowledges concerns, and identifies the advocacy that persists in the face of uncertainty.
View references and the original show details here: https://soundcloud.com/impact-of-uncertainty/the-impact-of-uncertainty
Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.
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Transportation is electrifying, from electric vehicles on our roadways to electric boats on our waterways and everything in between. Minnesotans are looking to go electric, but are electric boats practical in the Land of 10,000 Lakes?
Tune in to Fresh Energy's conversation with Shift2Electric’s Jukka Kukkonen for a conversation about electric boats, the emissions impacts of traditional boating, and to get a look at how electric watercrafts are being used around the world, including examples of large ships, recreational boats, and smaller boats for everyday use.
A few videos are played throughout the presentation, you can view them here:
Candela: https://youtu.be/b7lH1_92tuk?si=T61WMUlNFprNsNNw&t=1310
Electric Hydrofoil: https://youtu.be/b7lH1_92tuk?si=whyhQkyJ6lWcP9XM&t=1838
ForSea: https://youtu.be/b7lH1_92tuk?si=zfA2_Rys9KOu7E-y&t=2093
Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.
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The 2025 session of the Minnesota Legislature begins on January 14. Join the Fresh Energy team for a conversation about our plans and expectations for the coming session.
Podcast Guests:
Justin Fay, Senior Lead, Public Affairs and Advocacy
Brynn Kirsling, Senior Manager, Legislative and Grassroots Advocacy
Host: Jo Olson, Lead Director, Communications and EngagementFurther Reading:- Blog: Our top 24 accomplishments of 2024
- Blog: 2024 legislative debrief
RSVP to kick off the first day of the Legislative Session with us at our "Lagers and Legislation" party at Utepils Brewing in Minneapolis on January 14! Your first drink is on Fresh Energy.
Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.
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The electric vehicle (EV) landscape continues to evolve swiftly, bringing new models and changes to buying incentives. Tune into our webinar recording where Fresh Energy's Jo Olson and Jukka Kukkonen dive into timing considerations for potential EV buyers, market trends in the U.S. and abroad, the new and used EV market, updates on charging plug standards, and more.
If you'd like to see the video version of this webinar with slides, you can find it on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/_lK1muBc_Ck
Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.
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The 2024 U.N. Climate Conference, also known as COP, will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11 through November 22. J. Drake Hamilton, senior director, science policy at Fresh Energy, will be one of the more than 40,000 participants from around the globe to attend.
On December 3, J. sat down with Fresh Energy's Isak Kvam to unpack her experience at COP29. You can stay up to date with J.'s experience at COP via her daily blog here.
Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.
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Aviation accounts for nearly 10% of greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector in the United States. With emissions from aircrafts on the rise, federal and state governments are urgently seeking ways to reduce aviation industry emissions through low-carbon fuel pathways that can benefit communities, mitigate climate impacts, and drive business development. But what is sustainable aviation fuel and the possibilities (and perils) it can present?
Minnesota is at an inflection point. The choices made now about our state’s approach to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will have an impact for decades to come.
Fresh Energy, The Nature Conservancy, and Friends of the Mississippi River partnered to present a webinar for anyone interested in learning more about the possibilities and perils of SAF, especially those working within state agencies, agriculture, economic development, advocacy, and academia.
During the discussion, we unpacked what SAF is and how it fits into decarbonizing emissions from aviation, discussed the Minnesota Sustainable Aviation Fuels Guiding Principles created by partner organizations Fresh Energy, Friends of the Mississippi River, and The Nature Conservancy, and explained what could be next for SAF in Minnesota and beyond.
View the video recording of the presentation at minnesotasaf.com.
Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.
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The 2024 U.N. Climate Conference, also known as COP, will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11 through November 22. J. Drake Hamilton, senior director, science policy at Fresh Energy, will be one of the more than 40,000 participants from around the globe to attend.
On November 1, J. sat down with Fresh Energy's Isak Kvam to unpack what she sees as some of the biggest goals for COP29. You can stay up to date with J.'s experience at COP via her daily blog here.
Register to join us for a post-COP29 webinar debrief with J. on December 3 at 11 a.m. Participants will join J. to debrief outcomes from COP29 and ask questions about the event after her return to the United States.
Give to the Max Day is November 21! Schedule your donation to Fresh Energy today.
Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.
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This summer, Osprey Wilds, Soltek, and East Central Energy collaborated to install a 716-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system at Osprey Wilds’ campus. The project, the largest of its kind for any nature center in Minnesota, is a win-win-win for all parties. It creates consistent revenue for Soltek, supplies East Central Energy with clean, affordable energy, and provides Osprey Wilds with zero-emission electricity, allowing it to achieve its goals of being carbon neutral from an electrical consumption standpoint, while also providing financial security through affordable energy for the next 30+ years.
But how did the vision for powering Osprey Wilds with solar become a reality? Tune into this recording of Fresh Energy’s October 28 webinar to hear from Osprey Wilds’ Executive Director Bryan Wood, Soltek’s CEO Shawn Markham, and East Central Energy’s CEO Justin Jahnz about how all three parties came together around this project to help each other achieve their organizations’ goals, while also helping the planet.
Check out photos from the project here: https://bit.ly/solar-osprey**.
Give to the Max Day is November 21! Schedule your donation to Fresh Energy today.**
Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.
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On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, over 800 guests gathered to attend Fresh Energy's Annual Benefit Breakfast. That morning, we were joined by incredible special guest, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, a marine biologist, policy expert, and New York Times bestselling author, who sat down with Fresh Energy's Margaret Cherne-Hendrick to talk about how we can imagine and build a clean energy future together. This is the live recording of that conversation.Ayana’s newly released book, “What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures,” takes a radical new lens to the climate crisis and presents a joyfully pragmatic view of the future.
Check out the recording of the full Benefit Breakfast here.
Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/
The folks at the City Climate Corner podcast have given us permission to repost their latest episode featuring exciting clean energy work in Crookston, Minnesota! If you don't already subscribe to City Climate Corner, learn more here.
Episode Details
Crookston is a 7,000+ person community in the northwest corner of Minnesota that has big ambitions to improve the life of its residents by leveraging the clean energy transition. Co-hosts of City Climate Corner Abby Finis and Larry Kraft interviewed Crookston City Council Member Tim Lenard, Exec. Director of Crookston Housing Development Karie Kirshbaum, Exec. Director of NW MN Regional Sustainable Development Program Shannon Stassen, and John Vaughn, Fresh Energy's Managing Director of Community Development to learn about the Empower Crookston effort and how it spawned an I Love Crookston program.
Resources
- Empower Crookston website
- City of Crookston website
- Minnesota information on local climate action grants
- Fresh Energy website
Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.
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Let’s talk about what happened at the Minnesota Legislature! Join Fresh Energy policy experts for a webinar we recorded the day after the legislative session ended to learn what some key accomplishments were this session, what they mean for the work ahead, and more.
Webinar guests:
- Justin Fay, senior lead, public affairs and advocacy
- Eric Fowler, senior associate, buildings
- Anna Johnson, senior manager, state and local Affairs
- Laura Wagner, session associate, public affairs
- Metric Giles, executive director, Community Stabilization Project
- Moderated by Jo Olson, lead director, communications and engagement
Want to know more? Check out our blog post featuring some of our favorite provisions from this session!
Also...
- Be cool, enroll in Summer Energy Schoolfor a low-key and fun way to learn about energy policy (and enjoy BuzzFeed style quizzes) this summer.
- Big news! Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson will be the keynote speaker at our October 9 Benefit Breakfast. Get the scoop and and RSVP.
- The Fresh Energy team is able to give clean energy and climate policy in Minnesota our all because of our donors! You can support Fresh Energy's work here.
- Fresh Energy is hiring! Learn about job opportunities here.
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Tune in to this recording of Fresh Energy's webinar from April 17, 2024. This in-depth discussion is an exploration of the inner workings of Minnesota’s natural gas distribution system from our latest whitepaper, "Hidden beneath our feet: Minnesota’s growing decarbonization challenge."
Fresh Energy’s Joe Dammel, Curt Nordgaard, Caitlin Eichten, and Isak Kvam. Webinar viewers will dive deeply into the nitty-gritty details of Minnesota’s gas system, historical trends and future projections, and an analysis of gas use and emissions trends.
View a PDF of the PowerPoint that goes along with this discussion here.
View and download the white paper here.
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The 2024 session of the Minnesota Legislature begins on February 12. Join the Fresh Energy team for a conversation about our plans and expectations for the coming session. We'll discuss what it takes to be effective advocates at the Minnesota Legislature, what a typical “bonding year” has in store, and Fresh Energy's priorities for the 2024 legislative session.
Podcast Guests:
Brenda Cassellius, Executive Director
Justin Fay, Senior Lead, Public Affairs and Advocacy
Anna Johnson, Senior Manager, State and Local Affairs
Host: Jo Olson, Lead Director, Communications and EngagementFurther Reading:- Blog: Meet the Public Affairs team- Blog: Our top 23 accomplishments of 2023
- Blog: 2023 legislative debrief
Listeners can stay up to date on our work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
The 2023 U.N. Climate Conference, also known as COP, will be held in the United Arab Emirates from November 30 through December 12. J. Drake Hamilton, senior director, science policy at Fresh Energy, was one of the more than 70,000 participants from around the globe to attend. Get the scoop from J. on some of the big discussions that happened at the event. You can read J.'s blog from COP at fresh-energy.org/COP28.
Listeners can stay up to date on Fresh Energy's work via our once-monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
Thank you to the band Palms Psalm for providing our theme song, "DGAF" off of their album Otuhaka. Get the latest from the band at palmspsalm.com.
Minnesota’s natural gas utilities are planning to grow their gas distribution systems and the volume of natural gas they deliver over the coming decades. This poses a significant challenge for Minnesota as we strive to rapidly reduce emissions from the buildings sector to meet state emission goals. But in order to understand the problem, Minnesotans must first learn how the gas system beneath our feet works and how utilities invest in it. Fresh Energy shared a new report about Minnesota’s gas system in November and in this webinar, we unpack some of the report’s key findings and answer questions.
Listeners can stay up to date on Fresh Energy's work via our once-monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
Thank you to the band Palms Psalm for providing our theme song, "DGAF" off of their album Otuhaka. Get the latest from the band at palmspsalm.com.
The 2023 U.N. Climate Conference, also known as COP, will be held in the United Arab Emirates from November 30 through December 12. J. Drake Hamilton, senior director, science policy at Fresh Energy, will be one of the more than 70,000 participants from around the globe to attend. Get the scoop from J. on some of the big discussions that will be happening at the event, a presentation hosted by Fresh Energy, and why this year is anticipated to be the most impactful COP since Paris.
Stay up to date from J. when she's at COP28 at fresh-energy.org/COP28.
Listeners can stay up to date on Fresh Energy's work via our once-monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
Thank you to the band Palms Psalm for providing our theme song, "DGAF" off of their album Otuhaka. Get the latest from the band at palmspsalm.com.
Hydrogen is a hot topic in the clean energy space and here in Minnesota. Thanks to the 100% clean electricity law, Minnesota’s electricity supply will be 100% carbon-free by 2040. This is a BIG deal. But to address the global climate crisis, we must be carbon neutral across the economy by mid-century or before—and this includes our industry and agriculture sectors. Fortunately, federal action from the Biden Administration in the past few years, including the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act, are also opening up new funding and opportunities for Minnesota to leverage when we’re talking industry-wide decarbonization.
Join Fresh Energy's Craig McDonnell and Jo Olson to get the scoop on hydrogen and its role in industrial decarbonization.
Listeners can stay up to date on Fresh Energy's work via our once-monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
Learn more about the UofM's West Central Research & Outreach Center in Morris, Minnesota, and subscribe to their listserv here.
Let’s talk about what happened at the Minnesota Legislature! Join Fresh Energy policy experts for a webinar to discuss why this year was the biggest yet for clean energy and climate—and why it means the work is just beginning.
Join Fresh Energy policy experts for a webinar that was recorded on Tuesday, May 23 to learn what some key accomplishments were this session, what they mean for the work ahead, and more.
Webinar guests:
- Michael Noble, executive director
- Justin Fay, senior lead, public affairs and advocacy
- Anna Johnson, senior manager, state and local affairs
- Moderated by Jo Olson, senior director, communications and engagement
Fresh Energy is mixing it up for Earth Day with a podcast takeover by Palms Psalm, a music project created by Eric Pasi!
Tune in for a listening session of Palms Psalm's new release, "Otuhaka" with Fresh Energy's Jo Olson and Eric Pasi. "Otuhaka" is an album full of songs that weave surf rock with island vibes in a reflection on climate-fueled annihilation, specifically recalling old Polynesian music dug up by Eric, a first-generation Tongan-American.
Join Eric and Jo as they listen to and discuss five songs from the album, along with Eric's inspiration, background, process, and more.
IMPORTANT NOTICE for sensitive listeners and people listening with children. There are a few instances of explicit words used in this podcast, please be aware.Get to know Palms Psalm and listen to the album on Spotify, Apple Music, and Sound Cloud. Mark your calendar for upcoming performances including:
- April 22, 2:30 p.m.: Earth Day Solo Show at Solar Arts Building
- May 20, 3 p.m.: Art-a-Whirl at Pryes Brewery
- July 15, 7 p.m.: Bauhaus Brewing Anniversary Party
- July 27, 7 p.m.: Lowertown Sound at Mears Park
Let’s talk about Minnesota’s 100% clean electricity bill! Join Fresh Energy policy experts for a webinar that was recorded on Monday, February 6 at 1:30 p.m. to dig into why this bill is a big deal for Minnesota, what it entails, its history and journey through the Minnesota Legislature, and more.
Webinar guests:
- Michael Noble, executive director
- Allen Gleckner, executive lead, policy and programs
- Isabel Ricker, director, clean electricity
- Justin Fay, senior lead, public affairs and advocacy
- Moderated by Jo Olson, senior director, communications and engagement
The 2023 session of the Minnesota Legislature begins on January 3. Join the Fresh Energy team for a conversation about our plans and expectations for the coming session. The discussion will touch on Minnesota’s clean energy opportunities, federal action, committee assignments, budget surplus, our policy goals, and more!
Podcast Guests:
Michael Noble, Executive Director
Anna Johnson, Senior Associate of Public Affairs
Host: Jo Olson, Director of Communications and EngagementFurther Reading:- Blog: Our top 22 accomplishments of 2022
Listeners can stay up to date on our work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
What happened at COP27? In November, nearly 200 countries will come together in Egypt for the global climate summit, or COP27, the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Join Fresh Energy’s J. Drake Hamilton and members of the Minnesota delegation including Patrick Hamilton of the Science Museum and Dr. Nfamara K. Dampha of the University of Minnesota for a webinar on November 30, 2022, at 12 p.m. Central to debrief COP and dig into discussions around climate finance, mitigation, and adaptation and the role Minnesota and the Midwest can play in decarbonization.
What is climate finance and its related areas of climate mitigation and adaptation? How is Fresh Energy involved in driving progress on climate finance at COP27, the United Nations (U.N.) Climate Change Conference?
In this discussion, Fresh Energy’s J. Drake Hamilton and Bri Kerber sit down to talk through J.’s seven-year legacy at the global climate change convening, the importance of climate finance, and how Minnesotans can support this critical progress on climate and clean energy.
Plus, send your COP27 questions to J.! J. will answer most of your questions about COP27—from her travels before, during, and after, to the members of the U.S. climate delegation she gets to meet, to her favorite moments interacting with members of Minnesota’s own COP27 delegation—with everyone at a special post-COP27 live, virtual webinar event happening after she returns to Minnesota from Egypt toward the end of November. Submit your questions to J. via email at hamilton@fresh-energy.org.
Are solar farms a threat to water quality or a community asset? How can we create a solar-friendly permitting process that also enhances water and ecosystem services for the host community?
Thanks to the PV-SMaRT project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Solar Energy Technology Office, we are excited to debut the first solar-specific national study on stormwater dynamics and modeling. Project members include Great Plains Institute (GPI), DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Fresh Energy, and the University of Minnesota.
The team used field research on five existing ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar sites across the United States, three-dimensional hydrologic modeling, and feedback from solar developers, site managers, state and local regulators, and other stakeholders to assess the opportunities. And results are flooding in!
Based on the project’s findings, researchers have now developed a stormwater runoff calculator tool and best practices recommendations for local and state permit officials and solar industry practitioners. Tune in to this webinar, recorded on September 28, 2022, for more details from hosts Fresh Energy, GPI, and NREL and special guests for the inside scoop on how the tool has worked so far.
Meet the speakers:Brian Ross, GPI
Dr. David Mulla, University of Minnesota
James McCall, NREL
Todd Smith, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Robert L. Goo, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water
Lee Strait, EOR
Moderator: Briana Kerber, Fresh Energy
What is networked geothermal, and how can it drive decarbonization?In this discussion, hosted by Fresh Energy on behalf of the Energy We Can’t Afford Coalition, Fresh Energy's Joe Dammel, John Farrell from Institute for Local Self-Reliance, and Zeyneb Magavi from HEET sit down to dive into the details on how geothermal microgrids and district systems can drive cold climate decarbonization and provide an opportunity for larger-scale implementation of geothermal by utilities.
What are building codes, and how are they critical tools in driving progress toward a healthier, more resilient, more efficient Minnesota? Fresh Energy's Eric Fowler and Briana Kerber dive into the details on what building codes are, who writes them, how they impact our lives, and how Fresh Energy is acting on multiple levels to improve building energy codes for health, savings, and climate.
Additional resources:
- What's up with building codes? explainer blog
- Podcast extra! How are building code climate zones related to garden growing zones?
- The nitty gritty details from Minnesota's Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) on the current rulemaking process for Minnesota's energy code.
What is the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and how did it get to where it is today? Sit down with Fresh Energy's Michael Noble, Anjali Bains, and Jo Olson to learn about the good and bad elements of the bill and its implications for equity and justice, as well as how Fresh Energy and advocates across the country are continuing to plug in to drive bold progress toward our carbon-free future.
The IRA is the largest investment ever in climate action in the U.S. Send a thank-you note to your members of Minnesota's federal delegation who voted in favor of the IRA!
Additional resources:
- The Fresh Energy Take: Game-changing policies in the Inflation Reduction Act
- President Biden signs $369B climate and tax package into law
- Fresh Energy Statement: Congress makes climate history
Energy and climate issues play out across our society—in books and film, institutions of higher learning, our democracy, and in the very air we breathe.
Once again, this July, Thursdays were Fresh Energy summer webinar series days! Many special guests joined Fresh Energy each Thursday for four fun and engaging discussions about the many facets of energy in our lives.
From science fiction to popular Hollywood films, energy and climate are part of the arts today. How accurate are these depictions, and can they spur action? Fresh Energy's Anjali Bains, lead director of energy access and equity, sat down with writer Naomi Kritzer, Olga Tchepikova-Treon with the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities’ department of cultural studies, and artist Ben Weaver.
P.S. Want a taste of our electric future? Register to join us at the Fresh Frolic on August 24 at The Market at Malcolm Yards for an all-electric end-of-summer celebration!
Meet the Panelists:
Naomi Kritzer | she/her | Writer
Naomi Kritzer has been writing science fiction and fantasy for over twenty years; her fiction has won the Hugo Award, the Lodestar Award, the Edgar Award, and the Minnesota Book Award. Her newest book is Chaos on CatNet, which is a sequel to Catfishing on CatNet, and is set in Minneapolis. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her spouse, two kids (when the college kid is home from college) and four cats. The number of cats is subject to change without notice. You can find Naomi online at naomikritzer.com or on Twitter as @naomikritzer.
Olga Tchepikova-Treon | she/her | University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Olga Tchepikova-Treon is a doctoral candidate and graduate instructor in the UMN cultural studies department, where she is writing a dissertation on disability aesthetics in alternative film cultures. Currently finishing up a Fellowship at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Museum of American History, her ongoing research looks at the ways medical films are used in art cinema contexts. To Olga, teaching film as cultural and historical commentary is one of the best things about working in the university environment. Her favorite place in the Twin Cities is the Trylon Cinema, where she volunteers at the box office.
Ben Weaver | Artist
Ben is a poet, songwriter, letterpress printer/book maker, public speaker, and endurance cyclist. Ben creates work that breaks down the emotional and systemic structures separating humans from the ability to feel our connections to the greater web of life and each other. The songs and poems he writes and performs work to dispel illusions of division. They hold open space for the wisdom that sits within the trees, rivers, rocks, plants and animals to reignite the inherent stories of wildness and mutuality living inside us all.
This webinar was made possible by Great River Energy (Gold Sponsor) and Sunrun (Bronze Sponsor).
Thank you to our event's Promotional Partners:
CERTs
Citizen’s Utility Board of Minnesota
Climate Generation
Conservation Minnesota
Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate
Impact Power Solutions (IPS)
100 Percent Campaign
Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition
Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light
National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT)
Great Plains Institute
Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA)
Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA)
MN350
MnSEIA
Union of Concerned Scientists
Energy and climate issues play out across our society—in books and film, institutions of higher learning, our democracy, and in the very air we breathe.
Once again this July, Thursdays are Fresh Energy summer webinar series days! Register here to join Fresh Energy and special guests for four fun and engaging discussions about the many facets of energy in our lives.
From tailpipe emissions, to natural gas in our homes, to other reliance on fossil fuels, air quality across Minnesota is impacted. How can we incorporate health impacts of energy decisions? Fresh Energy's Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, senior lead for innovation and impact, sat down with Emma Hines from RMI, Theresa "Tee" McClenty from MN350, and Jessie Carr Shmool from the Minnesota Department of Health to discuss.
P.S. Register to join us at the Fresh Frolic on August 24 at The Market at Malcolm Yards!
**Meet the Panelists:
Emma Hines | she/her | RMI**
Emma Hines is an Associate in RMI’s Carbon-Free Buildings program, where she works on the climate, health, and air quality co-benefits of building electrification. Prior to joining RMI, Emma participated in a two-year fellowship with the Climate and Health Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She also previously served as a member of the teaching faculty for the Climate Change and Health Online Certificate Program with the Yale School of Public Health.
Theresa “Tee” McClenty | MN350
Tee has witnessed the impact of the climate crisis first-hand. Her youngest son was born with asthma and continues to experience complications from it as a young adult. This story, she knows, is not unique. Many communities of color are hardest hit by the negative impacts of climate change. Tee joined MN350 in 2022 in a continuation of her career as a servant for all communities. She has dedicated her life to ensuring that all communities have ALL the resources available provided to them. She has worked more than 18 years in emergency medicine, seeing first-hand the impact of climate on people’s health.
Jessie Carr Shmool | she/her | Minnesota Department of Health
Jessie Carr Shmool is an environmental epidemiologist at the Minnesota Department of Health, where she leads the Environmental Health Tracking and Biomonitoring programs. Jessie earned her MPH in environmental health policy from the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University and DrPH in environmental epidemiology from the University of Pittsburgh, where her training focused on air pollution epidemiology, cumulative exposure assessment, GIS and spatial statistics, community-engaged research methods, and environmental health disparities.
This webinar was made possible by Great River Energy (Gold Sponsor) and Sunrun (Bronze Sponsor).
Thank you to our event's Promotional Partners:CERTs
Citizen’s Utility Board of Minnesota
Climate Generation
Conservation Minnesota
Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate
Impact Power Solutions (IPS)
100 Percent Campaign
Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition
Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light
National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT)
Great Plains Institute
Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA)
Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA)
MN350
MnSEIA
Union of Concerned Scientists
Energy and climate issues play out across our society—in books and film, institutions of higher learning, our democracy, and in the very air we breathe.
Once again this July, Thursdays are Fresh Energy summer webinar series days! Register here to join Fresh Energy and special guests for four fun and engaging discussions about the many facets of energy in our lives.
Today's webinar features how Minnesota colleges are modeling net zero innovation—and teaching the next generation of leaders. But what’s next on the horizon for these important institutions? Join Fresh Energy's Allen Gleckner and guests Martha Larson of RMF Engineering, Rose Patzer of Minnesota State Energy Center of Excellence, and Amelia Vohs of Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy to discuss this and more.
**Meet the Panelists:
Martha Larson | she/her | RMF Engineering**Martha Larson is currently the Director of Sustainability at RMF Engineering. She graduated from Northwestern University in 1999 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Martha began her career in Chicago as an acoustical consultant and project manager for complex visual and performing arts projects. In 2010, Martha became the first Manager of Campus Energy & Sustainability at Carleton College where she helped the college reduce its carbon footprint by nearly 70%. Notable projects included the Kracum wind turbine installation and an eight-year transition of the College’s district energy system from steam heating to low temperature hot water with geothermal heating and cooling.
Rose Patzer | she/her | Minnesota State Energy Center of ExcellenceRose Patzer has an MBA in Business Administration and a B.A. in Chemistry. Rose has served as faculty at Minnesota West since 2007 in the Biofuels Technology and Energy Technical Specialist programs. She also provides project management services to the Minnesota State Energy Center of Excellence activities and actively participates in the Minnesota Energy Consortium meetings. She has a number of publications, presentations, awards, and certifications in areas renewable energy, biodiesel and agriculture. She enjoys promoting awareness about the renewable and traditional energy industries and has actively participated in a variety of energy-related federal and state grants throughout her career. Rose currently serves as the interim executive director for the Minnesota State Energy Center of Excellence.
Amelia Vohs | she/her | Minnesota Center for Environmental AdvocacyAmelia Vohs is a regulatory attorney with the local non-profit Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) and an instructor of the Environment and Energy Law Clinic through the University of Minnesota. She litigates clean energy cases, specializing in matters before the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and other state utility boards.
This webinar was made possible by Great River Energy (Gold Sponsor) and Sunrun (Bronze Sponsor). You can view a video of the webinar here.
Thank you to our event's Promotional Partners:CERTs
Citizen’s Utility Board of Minnesota
Climate Generation
Conservation Minnesota
Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate
Impact Power Solutions (IPS)
100 Percent Campaign
Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition
Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light
National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT)
Great Plains Institute
Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA)
Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA)
MN350
MnSEIA
Union of Concerned Scientists
Voting rights and civic engagement are two of the most pressing issues of our time. How does community engagement intersect with action on climate and justice?
Join Fresh Energy's Justin Fay and special guests U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, Carolina Ortiz of COPAL, Dr. Gabe Chan of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, and Dominic McQuerry of The McKnight Foundation to discuss this and more.
**Meet the Panelists:
Carolina Ortiz | she/her | COPAL**Carolina Ortiz has been with COPAL since it’s founding in 2018. She led the communications team for two years and is now the associate executive director. Carolina was born in Zacatecas, Mexico and is currently studying communications and women’s studies in Minnesota. A DREAMer herself, her passion for social justice stems from her own experiences and those of her community.
Gabe Chan | Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of MinnesotaGabe Chan is an associate professor at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs in the Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy (STEP) area. Gabe’s research examines policies to stimulate innovation in energy technologies and mitigate global climate change in the United States, China, and internationally. Gabe’s research also blends economic methods and theory with a broader set of social science and technical knowledge.
Dominic McQuerry | McKnight FoundationAs a program officer with the Vibrant & Equitable Communities and Midwest Climate & Energy programs, Dominic McQuerry oversees and develops innovative grant portfolios at the intersection of McKnight’s climate and equity goals with an emphasis on strengthening democratic participation and civic engagement. McQuerry is a policy and community engagement professional with a passion for supporting people’s lives and livelihoods, guiding and supporting powerful coalitions in Minnesota on housing, healthcare, child care, and more.
This webinar was recorded on July 7, 2022, and made possible by Great River Energy (Gold Sponsor) and Sunrun (Bronze Sponsor). You can view a video of the webinar here.
Thank you to our event's Promotional Partners:CERTs
Citizen’s Utility Board of Minnesota
Climate Generation
Conservation Minnesota
Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate
Impact Power Solutions (IPS)
100 Percent Campaign
Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition
Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light
National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT)
Great Plains Institute
Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA)
Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA)
MN350
MnSEIA
Union of Concerned Scientists
When we hear about the electric grid, it’s common to think of our local electric utility. They’re the ones we pay for our electric service after all, and it’s our utility’s trucks that we see repairing downed electricity lines. But, as explained in our “What’s up with the grid?” blog, the grid is much bigger than any single utility. It is instead a web of utilities, each interconnected with each other in a giant electric transmission and distribution system that covers the entire nation. In our region, an entity called MISO, or the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, holds the role of managing or operating our portion of that transmission and distribution system—our portion of the grid.
But what exactly is MISO? How and why was it created? Who has a say in its decision-making processes? And how is Fresh Energy involved? Sit down with Fresh Energy’s Mike Schowalter for answers to these questions and more!
Links referenced and additional resources:
- Read our MISO explainer blog post for additional context on MISO.
- Curious about Locational Marginal Pricing (LMP)? Check out this map showing real-time prices.
- For more context on long-range transmission planning (LRTP), reference this blog post explaining the process.
- An example of LRTP is the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) recent approval of the big tariff change Mike discusses in this episode. Read more about it. The MISO Board of Directors is slated to approve this first set of projects in July, after which state Public Utilities Commissions (PUCs) will likely kick off their own approval processes.
- Get a visual on the coal plants in and serving Minnesota that have retired or have retirement dates. Fresh Energy is using data-based research and policy to set as-soon-as-possible closure dates for coal plants that meet the urgent challenge of our climate crisis while ensuring that utilities, workers, and communities have the time and resources necessary to plan a successful transition. Read more at coalcountdown.org.
The investments utilities make in energy infrastructure, including coal and gas plants, have significant impacts on public health, environmental justice, equity, and more. Minnesota’s leaders, policymakers, community advocates, and all who live here should have the opportunity to understand these impacts. Additionally, both utilities and regulators should consider these impacts in long-range utility planning. Together, Fresh Energy, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA), Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light, Sierra Club, Union of Concerned Scientists, and researchers from PSE Healthy Energy sat down to talk about it!
This webinar dug into a recent study that delves into the equity and health impacts of Minnesota Power’s long-range plan, also known as an Integrated Resource Plan. PSE’s research revealed some significant findings about air pollution and negative health impacts from the utility’s coal and biomass plants that disproportionately impact under-resourced and Native communities.
Presenters and Panelists
- Kelsey Bilsback, PhD | she/her | PSE Healthy Energy
- Barbara Freese | Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA)
- James Gignac | he/him | Union of Concerned Scientists
- Bret Pence | he/him | Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light
- Isabel Ricker | she/her | Fresh Energy
- Jenna Yeakle | she/her | Sierra Club
- Moderator: Jo Olson | she/her | Fresh Energy
Additional resources:
- YouTube recording.
- Want to better understand Integrated Resource Planning? Check out our explainer blog post.
- Learn more about what Clean Grid Alliance, MCEA, Sierra Club, and Fresh Energy filed as comments at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission in the Minnesota Power IRP docket.
- View the full health impacts report from PSE.
Bees, monarchs, and other critical pollinators are disappearing, and scientists agree that loss of habitat is a primary concern. However, research has found that the renewable energy sector provides a unique opportunity for creating new pollinator habitat.
Join Monarch Joint Venture, Connexus Energy, MNL, and Fresh Energy for a webinar recorded on May 18, 2022, as we dig into the new study, “Monitoring Pollinators on Minnesota Solar Installation,” which used field data collection practices to document an abundance of bees, butterflies, moths, flies, and wasps utilizing pollinator-friendly solar habitat in Minnesota. We also discussed seed mixes and biodiversity benefits, how utilities and co-ops can lead, and more.
Panelists
Laura Lukens | she/her | Monarch Joint VentureLaura Lukens is the National Monitoring Coordinator for the Monarch Joint Venture, a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving monarch butterflies and their migration. Laura coordinates research projects throughout the US and cultivates a network of researchers and science initiatives to advance monarch conservation priorities.
Rob Davis | he/him | Connexus EnergyRob Davis is communications lead at Connexus Energy and chair of the advisory committee to the National Renewable Energy Lab’s InSPIRE study into low-impact solar. Davis’ work on pollinator-friendly solar has been featured in trainings by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Conservation Training Center, the U.S. Department of Energy, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; in feature stories in Fast Company and Scientific American, and a talk titled “This unlikely 1960s space tech can help save the bees,” on TED.com. Previously, Davis helped launch technology start-ups and created the international crowdsourced campaign that launched the Firefox web browser. He is a graduate of Macalester College.
Jake Janksi | he/him | MNLJake Janski is the Director of Field Service Operations and a Senior Ecologist at MNL (Minnesota Native Landscapes). Jake applies his experiences from the past 20+ years in the industry towards the successful restoration and management of our region’s plant communities, solar sites, and natural resources. Beyond overseeing MNL’s spectrum of ecological services, broadest in the Midwest, Jake has also written and implemented numerous studies, restoration strategies, and vegetation management plans throughout his career. Whenever possible, he enjoys sharing these experiences and perspectives with audiences of his peers, industry groups, and others who share MNL’s mission of Healing the Earth.
Resources:
- YouTube link to the webinar- Report: Monitoring Pollinators on Minnesota Solar Installations
- Blog about Monarch Joint Venture's study
- Sample Ordinance and Procurement Language
- Pollinator-Friendly Solar Scorecards
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will funnel a historic $1.2 trillion into states—about $6.8 billion of which is headed to Minnesota. These funds will go toward much-needed investments in weatherization assistance, energy efficiency, power and grid, electric transportation, and more—all of which play a major role in our climate future as we seek energy independence.
But how can local and state policymakers, agency staff, elected officials, nonprofit advocates, thought leaders, and all Minnesotans ensure our state takes full advantage of these federal funds?
On May 3, 2022, Fresh Energy, Aimee Witteman from the U.S. Department of Energy, Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold, and special guests discussed how Minnesota can take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Panelists:- Commissioner Grace Arnold, Minnesota Department of Commerce
- Aimee Witteman, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Department of Energy
- Bob Blake, Executive Director, Native Sun Community Power Development
- Dan Josephson, Energy Director, MAHUBE-OTWA Community Action Partnership
- Laura Ziegler, Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Minnesota
Hosted by:- Justin Fay, Lead Director, Public Affairs at Fresh Energy
- Eric Fowler, Senior Coalition Communications and Policy Associate at Fresh Energy
Electric panel updates are a crucial way to speed up home electrification, but cost can be a barrier. That’s why Fresh Energy is leading a new effort at the Minnesota Legislature this year to prepare Minnesota’s existing residential buildings for the transition to fossil-free electricity: An electric panel upgrade program for owners of single family and multifamily buildings.
Podcast Guests:
- Eric Fowler, Senior Coalition Communications and Policy Associate at Fresh Energy
- Mari Ojeda, Senior Policy Associate, Energy Access and Equity at Fresh Energy
Host: Jo Olson, Director of Communications and Engagement
Listeners can stay up to date on Fresh Energy's work via our once-monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
Further reading:
- Fresh Energy's blog post about the electric panel bill
- Leading with Equity and Justice in the Clean Energy Transition - Green & Healthy Homes Initiative
Fresh Energy is celebrating 30 years of making history for clean energy and climate here in Minnesota and the Midwest. Join Michael Noble, J. Drake Hamilton, and Jim Ladner for a conversation about some pivotal moments in each decade of Fresh Energy’s history.
Podcast Guests:
- Michael Noble, Executive Director of Fresh Energy
- J. Drake Hamilton, Senior Director, Science Policy at Fresh Energy
- Jim Ladner, Fresh Energy Board Member
Host: Jo Olson, Director of Communications and Engagement
Listeners can stay up to date on Fresh Energy's work via our once-monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
Further reading:
- Summary of Fresh Energy accomplishments over the decades.
Electrifying medium- and heavy-duty vehicles is good for climate, public health, and our economy—and we’ve got the data to back it up, thanks to a new report from Fresh Energy on behalf of the Coalition for Clean Transportation. Join experts and advocates from Fresh Energy, MN350, Sierra Club, and the Environmental Resource Management Group (ERM).
Panelists:
- Anjali Bains, Fresh Energy
- Joshua Houdek, Sierra Club
- Madi Johnson, MN350
- Dave Seamonds and Ellen Robo, ERM Group
- Moderated by Fresh Energy’s Briana Kerber
What's next?
- Take action for transit and infrastructure by telling your legislators to build Minnesota's clean energy future.
- Join us in July for our free, four-part summer webinar series, "Energy PLUS."
Listeners can stay up to date on Fresh Energy's work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
Natural gas—also known as fossil gas—is everywhere these days. It’s in our buildings, where we burn it to heat spaces and water and to cook our food. It’s in our neighborhoods, running through pipes that crisscross our streets. It’s in our electricity grid, where we burn it to create electricity. And it’s in the news. We’re hearing more and more about fossil gas, with published stories on the negative health, safety, financial, and climate impacts of burning and transporting fossil gas.
But what is fossil gas? Where does it come from? How is it transported? Who pays for it? Is it really harmful for health and environment? And is it sustainable? What comes after fossil gas? Join Joe Dammel, Fresh Energy’s director of gas decarbonization to answer these questions and more.
Podcast Guest: Joe Dammel, Director of Gas Decarbonization Host: Jo Olson, Director of Communications and Engagement
Listeners can stay up to date on Fresh Energy's work via our once-monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
Further reading:
- What's up with rate cases?blog post
- Details on the Natural Gas Innovation Act (NGIA)
- Deep dive into CenterPoint Energy's rate case in Minnesota
- Rate case Action Alert for CenterPoint customers
- About Fresh Energy's Gas Decarbonization program
As news organizations focus more attention on environmental justice, what steps can they take to ensure they’re truly serving the communities they cover? In this virtual panel discussion, we talk to both journalists and advocates from Energy News Network, Grist, and the Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition about what equity in climate and energy journalism should look like, and what steps news organizations can take to move in that direction.
Panelists:
- Audrey Henderson, reporter, Energy News Network
- Rukiya Colvin, freelance writer
- Marnese Jackson, co-director, Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition
- Adam Mahoney, reporter, Grist
- Moderator: Ken Paulman, director, Energy News Network
Listeners can stay up to date on Fresh Energy's work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
Stay informed on what's happening regionally and nationally in the transition to clean energy with the Energy News Network. Subscribe to the Energy News Network's daily email digests and original reporting, covering the U.S., the Midwest, Southeast, Northeast, and Western regions. Support ENN's work with a donation.
Join Fresh Energy's Bri Kerber and Mike Schowalter for a deep dive on the grid! Mike lays out the details on what exactly the grid is, how it works, the current challenges and opportunities in grid modernization, and discusses what’s next as we look to build the grid that will serve our clean energy future for generations to come.
Want even more details on what’s up with the grid? Check out this blog post Mike wrote all about it.
Podcast Guest: Mike Schowalter, Senior Policy Associate, Clean Electricity Host: Bri Kerber, Policy Communications Associate
Listeners can stay up to date on Fresh Energy's work via our once-monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
The 2022 session of the Minnesota Legislature begins on January 31. Join the Fresh Energy team for a conversation about our plans and expectations for the coming session. The discussion will touch on Minnesota’s budget surplus, bonding and budget proposals already on the table, our policy goals, and more!
Podcast Guests:
Michael Noble, Executive Director
Justin Fay, Lead Director of Public Affairs
Anna Johnson, Senior Associate of Public Affairs
Eric Fowler, Coalition Communications and Policy Associate
Host: Jo Olson, Director of Communications and EngagementFurther Reading:- Blog: Our top 21 accomplishments of 2021
- Blog: Taking stock of meaningful progress at the Minnesota Legislature (2021 recap)
Listeners can stay up to date on our work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
Let’s talk EVs!
Join Shift2Electric’s Jukka Kukkonen and Fresh Energy’s Jo Olson and Justin Fay for a webinar about all-things electric vehicles (EVs) including Jukka's top 10 market trends and predictions, exciting new models, and the evolving federal EV landscape.
This webinar is also available on YouTube here.
View a comprehensive reference list of EV models, their specs, and more: shift2electric.com/evinfolist.
Listeners can stay up to date on Fresh Energy's work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
Join Fresh Energy for a two-part episode as we discuss the state of coal in Minnesota.
Part 1:
Fresh Energy's Allen Gleckner and Isabel Ricker lay out the details on changes to coal plant operations, scheduled closure dates, utilities importing coal power from other states, and important ways listeners can get involved at home and with their utilities.
Part 2:
Fresh Energy's Anjali Bains and Justin Fay discuss what a just and equitable energy transition looks like in coal plant communities and across the state.
Resources:Throughout the episode, we mention a few web pages and resources for listeners to check out.
- Minnesota Coal Countdown (https://coalcountdownmn.org) for keeping tabs on coal plants in and serving Minnesota.
- What's up with Integrated Resource Planning?blog post.
- Isabel's interview with FOX News's Tom Lyden about coal plant operations.
- Making sense of your clean energy options blog post about opting into wind and solar programs, and more.
Listeners can stay up to date on Fresh Energy's work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
From late October through early November, almost 200 countries came together in Glasgow for the global climate summit, or COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Fresh Energy’s Senior Science Policy Director J. Drake Hamilton attended the summit and shared real-time updates on the Fresh Energy blog. Sit down with J. and the Science Museum of Minnesota's Pat Hamilton to get their take on everything that happened at the summit and what it means for the U.S. moving forward.
Listeners can stay up to date on Fresh Energy's work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
With the Global Climate Summit around the corner, countries and corporations are making major announcements for climate action. As our Senior Science Policy Director J. Drake Hamilton prepares to travel to Glasgow to attend the summit, we sat down with her for a behind-the-scenes look at what to expect at this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), the role that Minnesota plays in the whole process, and which local businesses are leading the climate action charge in our state.
Listeners can stay up to date on Fresh Energy's work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
In 2020, the FBI revealed details of a $60 million corruption case that has so far led to multiple arrests, including Ohio House speaker Larry Householder, and the resignation of the state’s top utility regulator.
Join Energy News Network, journalists, and advocates from Ohio as we walk through the tangled web of dark money and back-door dealmaking that helped the state’s largest utility secure multiple bailouts while hamstringing efforts to advance clean energy.
This event was hosted by Fresh Energy and Energy News Network on September 14, 2021, in partnership with Eye on Ohio, Energy and Policy Institute, and the Ohio Environmental Council. The event will be moderated by Ken Paulman, director of the Energy News Network. Panelists include Kathiann Kowalski of Energy News Network, Lucia Walinchus of Eye on Ohio, Dave Anderson of Energy and Policy Institute, and Randi Leppla of the Ohio Environmental Council.
Listeners can stay up to date on Fresh Energy's work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
Stay informed on what's happening regionally and nationally in the transition to clean energy with the Energy NewsNetwork. Subscribe to the Energy News Network's daily email digests and original reporting, covering the U.S., the Midwest, Southeast, Northeast, and Western regions. Support ENN's work with a donation.
At Fresh Energy, equity is a central pillar of our mission and a priority across the organization. Our Energy Access and Equity department is where the organization and the staff on today's podcast focus specifically on policies and programs that reduce the energy burden on under-resourced communities, increase opportunities for and access to clean energy jobs, and ensure our policy-based solutions—and Fresh Energy operations—are equitable in both process and outcome. And we're pleased to share that our Energy Access and Equity department is evolving!
In today's podcast, we're joined by Fresh Energy's outgoing lead director of Energy Access and Equity Ben Passer, incoming director Anjali Bains, our new director of Culture and Partnerships Janiece Watts, as well as Mari Ojeda, policy associate on the Energy Access and Equity Team.
Throughout our conversation, we reference a few blog posts on the Fresh Energy site, here they are:
- Energy Access and Equity at Three Years: A personal reflection from Ben Passer
- Fresh Energy launches reimagined and co-created community space
- New Energy Access and Equity leadership at Fresh Energy
And don't forget to register and join us for our October 14 Virtual Benefit Breakfast! We wanted to thank a few of our Benefit Breakfast sponsors for their support!
- Thank you to our title sponsor: Parable Wealth Partners
- And to our Innovation and Technology sponsor: Mortenson
- And thank you also to Atomic Data, Ever-Green Energy, District Energy St. Paul, Impact Power Solutions, Apex Clean Energy, Climate Generation, Conley Family Foundation, Design 45, Minneapolis Foundation, Chuck and Candice Nadler, Old National Bank, and Sunrise Banks.
Tune in to Part 4 of Fresh Energy's "Intersection of Energy and Community" webinar series!The transition to an equitable, carbon-neutral economy will bring big changes to our communities. State and federal policies, utility programs, and the overall evolution from a world powered by oil and gas to a clean electricity-powered future, play out in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and homes. But it’s not just communities adapting to change. Cities, counties, and local institutions are often leading through model projects and Climate Action Plans to shape a new reality.
In summer 2021, Fresh Energy hosted a webinar series to raise the question: How can we dramatically reduce carbon emissions in a way that improves our communities and benefits everyone?
Panelists:
Margaret Garascia, Associate Director, Research and Innovation at Elevate EnergyMargaret Garascia is Senior Manager for Research and Innovation at Elevate Energy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to designing and implementing programs that lower costs, protect people and the environment, and ensure the benefits of renewable energy reach those who need them most. As part of the Elevate research team, Ms. Garascia conducts research on whether low- and moderate-income households are equitably served by renewable energy programs. In addition, she coordinates Elevate’s research, policy, and demonstration projects on building decarbonization with a focus on the affordable housing sector. She also conducts quantitative and qualitative research on topics including energy insecurity, water affordability, and residential energy use. She was lead author of a report on the multifamily building stock in Chicago and the potential for energy savings. She has presented and written on the relationship between energy efficiency, health, and wellbeing in forums including Electricity Journal, Retrofit Magazine, American Public Health Association Annual Meeting, and others.
Keith Kinch, Co-founder and General Manager at BlocPowerKeith Kinch serves as General Manager and co-founder at BlocPower. Keith received his undergraduate degree at John Jay College and his graduate degree at American International University. He spent eight years as a community organizer, and two years as Deputy Field Director in New York State for the Democratic National Committee under President Obama’s grassroots arm Organizing for America. He helped advance key pieces of legislation such as the Affordable Healthcare Act.
In the summer of 2016, Keith led the Solarize Brownsville campaign where more than 200
homes were outfitted with solar panels. Solarize Brownsville brought together community
Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Lead Director, Energy Transition at Fresh EnergyMargaret Cherne-Hendrick steers Fresh Energy’s work to decarbonize our economy through the transition of end-uses currently served by fossil fuels to efficient, equitable, carbon-free electricity. She leads a team of staff shaping and driving solutions that use beneficial electrification, efficiency, and other carbon-reduction strategies to dramatically reduce emissions from the building and transportation sectors. She also leads Fresh Energy’s work on carbon sequestration and low-carbon fuel standards as well as actively evaluating other opportunities to move Minnesota toward an equitable carbon-neutral economy by 2050. In addition to Minnesota policy work at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, State Legislature, and administrative channels, Margaret leads Fresh Energy’s involvement in multiple key partnerships and is a primary architect of the Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition.
Tune in to Part 3 of Fresh Energy's "Intersection of Energy and Community" webinar series!The transition to an equitable, carbon-neutral economy will bring big changes to our communities. State and federal policies, utility programs, and the overall evolution from a world powered by oil and gas to a clean electricity-powered future, play out in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and homes. But it’s not just communities adapting to change. Cities, counties, and local institutions are often leading through model projects and Climate Action Plans to shape a new reality.
In summer 2021, Fresh Energy hosted a webinar series to raise the question: How can we dramatically reduce carbon emissions in a way that improves our communities and benefits everyone?
Panelists:
Russ Stark, Chief Resilience Officer at the City of Saint Paul
Russ Stark is the Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Saint Paul working in Mayor Melvin Carter’s Office. Previously, Russ Served for 10 years on the Saint Paul City Council including three years as Council President. Prior to his public service, he worked at nonprofits focused on community development, environmental advocacy, and improved transportation options, including early planning for what is now the Green Line LRT. Russ has a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Swarthmore College and a Master’s of Urban Affairs and Public Policy from the University of Delaware.
Adri Arquin, Youth Member, Saint Paul Climate Justice Advisory BoardAdri Arquin is a junior at Central High School and lives in St. Paul, MN. As a High School student, he worked with other young activists and organizers to create Minnesota Youth for Climate Justice, helping to bring thousands of young people to the Minnesota State Capitol on multiple occasions to fight against the climate crisis. He additionally works with COPAL MN and the Minnesota Youth Council in order to advocate for environmental justice both inside his community and in the Minnesota Legislature. With these roles, Adri also helps as a youth member on the St. Paul Climate Justice Advisory Board. When not working or organizing you can often find him on the soccer field with friends or trying to scout out a new thrift shop.
Janiece Watts, Senior Associate, Energy Access and EquityAs a senior associate on the Energy Access and Equity team, Janiece plays a key role that is working to advance equitable outcomes across Minnesota’s energy system. Her current projects include collaborative work with environmental justice groups to improve air quality and reduce demand for oil through electrification of transportation and working internally on Fresh Energy’s commitments to anti-racism.
Janiece joined the Fresh Energy team in August 2018. Before joining Fresh Energy, Janiece worked as a community engagement manager for Eureka Recycling where she developed strategies on zero waste and environmental justice. She is an established racial and environmental justice organizer working in the Twin Cities for over ten years. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Environmental Science, Policy and Management from the University of Minnesota. Janiece is a board member of Headwaters Foundation for Justice, MN350, and the new St. Paul Climate Justice Advisory Board. She loves food—from growing it in her garden to cooking and food cooking shows.
Tune in to Part 2 of Fresh Energy's "Intersection of Energy and Community" webinar series!
The transition to an equitable, carbon-neutral economy will bring big changes to our communities. State and federal policies, utility programs, and the overall evolution from a world powered by oil and gas to a clean electricity-powered future, play out in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and homes. But it’s not just communities adapting to change. Cities, counties, and local institutions are often leading through model projects and Climate Action Plans to shape a new reality.
In summer 2021, Fresh Energy hosted a webinar series to raise the question: How can we dramatically reduce carbon emissions in a way that improves our communities and benefits everyone?
This conversation is sponsored by Great River Energy.
Panelists:
Nina Axelson, Founder, Grid CatalystNina Axelson is leading the development of a clean energy accelerator, focused on demonstrating and scaling solutions for northern climates. The program will work with regional partners to connect entrepreneurs to project demonstrations, mentorship, and investments to help them grow their business. Grid Catalyst is under development, with a launch anticipated by the end of 2021. Previously, Axelson was the Vice President of Sustainability and Outreach for Ever-Green Energy, and has nearly 20 years of experience in the energy and environmental sectors. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies from the University of Minnesota.
Robert Blake, Founder & CEO of Solar BearRobert Blake is the owner of Solar Bear a solar installation company located in Minneapolis, MN, the Ojibwe pronunciation is Gizis-o-makwa. Robert is the Executive Director of Native Sun Community Power Development a Non- Profit located also in Minneapolis, MN. Robert is a graduate student at the University of Minnesotan Carlson Executive Master of Business Administration (CEMBA) program. Robert is a tribal citizen of the Red Lake Nation. His passion is spreading the word of renewable energy through communication, cooperation, and collaboration.
Jamez Staples, President & CEO of Renewable Energy PartnersJamez Staples founded Renewable Energy Partners after seeing how solar energy was being built in other parts of the country and after Minnesota passed its Solar Jobs Act in 2013. He has lived in North Minneapolis most of his life and graduated from North High School where REP has installed a 365-kilowatt community solar garden. He has seen and experienced injustices in economic opportunity and environmental health in Minnesota but was also inspired by former Obama Administration Green Jobs Czar Van Jones’ idea of addressing climate change and poverty at the same time.
Ben Passer, Lead Director, Energy Access and Equity at Fresh EnergyBen Passer directs Fresh Energy’s work to advance equitable outcomes across Minnesota’s energy system. A member of the Minnesota Bar, Ben leads Fresh Energy in securing regulatory results at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, policy change at the State Capitol, and collaborative efforts with diverse partners and allies to move Minnesota toward a just, carbon-neutral economy by mid-century. Ben represents Fresh Energy in key regional and national forums and serves as a recognized thought leader and public speaker on the intersection of energy and equity. Ben currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Climate Generation: A Will Steger Legacy.
Tune in to Part 1 of Fresh Energy's "Intersection of Energy and Community" webinar series!
The transition to an equitable, carbon-neutral economy will bring big changes to our communities. State and federal policies, utility programs, and the overall evolution from a world powered by oil and gas to a clean electricity-powered future, play out in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and homes. But it’s not just communities adapting to change. Cities, counties, and local institutions are often leading through model projects and Climate Action Plans to shape a new reality.
In summer 2021, Fresh Energy hosted a webinar series to raise the question: How can we dramatically reduce carbon emissions in a way that improves our communities and benefits everyone?
Panelists
Brian Larson, Co-Founder and CEO of Darcy Solutions
Brian found a love of the land as a child, while spending time on his grandmother’s farm near Willmar, MN. His studies in Economics at the University of Minnesota led him to pursue his MBA at Indiana University. In the early part of his career he was employed by various large oil and gas companies on the west coast and southern gulf coast, regularly working closely with geologists and geophysicists. Brian’s passion for innovation and problem-solving brought him to work at the consulting firm McKinsey – gaining invaluable knowledge on how to build great companies and design growth strategies. His desire to use innovation to make the world a better place led him to a 14-year career at Cargill. Brian is always looking for an opportunity to do something impactful and use his 30+ years of business experience to elevate brilliant entrepreneurs. When Brian and Jimmy Randolph met, it became clear that the duo’s shared a desire to protect the planet for future generations inspires their partnership at Darcy Solution.
Tony Poole, Business Manager, Steamfitters/Pipefitters Local 455
Tony Poole is a 23-year member of the St. Paul Steamfitters Pipefitters Local 455 and is currently serving as Business Manager for the Union. Upon completion of his apprenticeship in 2004, Tony spent the better part of his career working at industrial sites welding on critical piping systems. He also has experience working on many commercial projects, including hospitals and schools. Tony was elected Business Agent for the Union in 2013 and Business Manager in 2018 and in this capacity is closely involved in contract negotiations, public relations, and more.
Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Lead Director, Energy Transition at Fresh Energy
Margaret Cherne-Hendrick steers Fresh Energy’s work to decarbonize our economy through the transition of end-uses currently served by fossil fuels to efficient, equitable, carbon-free electricity. She leads a team of staff shaping and driving solutions that use beneficial electrification, efficiency, and other carbon-reduction strategies to dramatically reduce emissions from the building and transportation sectors. She also leads Fresh Energy’s work on carbon sequestration and low-carbon fuel standards as well as actively evaluating other opportunities to move Minnesota toward an equitable carbon-neutral economy by 2050. In addition to Minnesota policy work at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, State Legislature, and administrative channels, Margaret leads Fresh Energy’s involvement in multiple key partnerships and is a primary architect of the Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition.
Against the odds, it has been an incredibly impactful year for energy at the Minnesota Legislature. Sit down with Fresh Energy's Michael Noble, Justin Fay, and Anna Johnson to discuss significant new investments in solar energy, new policy support for a just and equitable transition to clean energy, innovative new decarbonization strategies for gas utilities, and more.
Guests:
- Michael Noble, Executive Director of Fresh Energy
- Justin Fay, Lead Director of Public Affairs at Fresh Energy
- Anna Johnson, Senior Associate of Public Affairs at Fresh Energy
Topics:
- ECO Act
- Natural Gas Innovation Act
- Solar investments including solar on schools, an extension of Xcel Energy's Solar Rewards program, and an innovative "brightfields" project
- Clean energy jobs and economic development
- Buy Clean Buy Fair study
- The new office of community transition at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
- Clean Cars Minnesota
- White House's American Jobs Plan and American Rescue Plan
- and more!
Further Reading:
- "Taking stock of meaningful progress at the Minnesota Legislature" by Justin Fay
- "What's up with 'renewable natural gas?'"
- "ECO Act becomes law, modernizing Minnesota's energy efficiency policy"
- "13 years in the rearview: The making of Clean Cars Minnesota" by Briana Kerber
- "The American Jobs Plan: 14 ambitious (and totally achievable) goals for clean energy, equity, and climate."
Join us!
- July Webinar Series: The Intersection of Energy and Community
- Virtual Benefit Breakfast with BlocPower's Donnel Baird on October 14, 2021
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cleaner and more affordable than gasoline-powered cars—and they’re fun too.
On April 29, 2021, Fresh Energy and Shift2 Electric hosted a free educational workshop that’s unaffiliated with any automakers. We had an honest conversation with Minnesotans across the state who own and drive EVs about their experiences.
Listen in for a conversation with Shift2Electric's Jukka Kukkonen and panelists:
- Lisa, Kia Niro PHEV
- Jodi, 2013 Nissan Leaf
- Brian and Karen, Tesla Model Y and Chevrolet Bolt
- Heather, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid (PHEV)
Listeners can stay up to date on Fresh Energy's work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
Appalachia and Wyoming are dramatically different places, but they also offer each other cautionary tales, success stories, and reasons for resilience and hope. Last year, the Energy News Network and WyoFile captured this complex story in a six-part investigative series, Reckoning in Coal County, now available as an ebook or paperback.
Fresh Energy, Energy News Network, and WyoFile hosted this virtual panel discussion on April 22, 2021. Throughout the conversation, we explore the cultural, political, and economic obstacles faced by rural communities hoping to survive and thrive in a world without coal.
Featuring:
Mason Adams, journalist, Floyd County, Virginia
Shannon Anderson, Powder River Basin Resource Council, Wyoming
Heidi Binko, Just Transition Fund, Virginia
Dustin Bleizeffer, journalist, Casper, Wyoming
Moderator:
Ken Paulman, Senior Director, Energy News Network
Listeners can stay up to date on Fresh Energy's work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
Stay informed on what's happening regionally and nationally in the transition to clean energy with the Energy NewsNetwork. Subscribe to the Energy News Network's daily email digests and original reporting, covering the U.S., the Midwest, Southeast, Northeast, and Western regions. Support ENN's work with a donation.
The 2021 session of the Minnesota Legislature is in its final month. Join the Fresh Energy team for a conversation about meaningful action for clean energy and climate that legislators can take yet this session. Learn what's still on the table and who they would draft for Fresh Energy's imaginary baseball team.
Guests:
- Michael Noble, Executive Director of Fresh Energy
- Justin Fay, Lead Director of Public Affairs at Fresh Energy
- Anna Johnson, Senior Associate of Public Affairs at Fresh Energy
Topics:
- ECO Act
- Natural Gas Innovation Act
- Building decarbonizaton
- "Rebuild Right" grant program
- 100% Carbon Free Electricity
- Clean Cars Minnesota
- White House's American Jobs Plan
- and more!
Listeners can stay up to date on our work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
On April 9, 2021, Fresh Energy's J. Drake Hamilton and Ben Passer were joined by U.S. Senator Tina Smith, meteorologist and climate leader Paul Douglas, and Science Museum of Minnesota President Alison Brown for a discussion about why acting now on climate is critical and how climate action can present economic opportunity for Minnesota.
With a new President and a new Congress, we have reason to be optimistic that the country can take real climate action. Congress needs to step up in this moment and pass meaningful climate and infrastructure legislation. At a time when we are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a tremendous opportunity for a climate and infrastructure package to deliver good paying clean energy jobs.
U.S. Senator Tina Smith is pushing for the climate and infrastructure package to include a Clean Electricity Standard (CES) to aggressively reduce carbon emissions from the electricity sector. As the CES leader in the U.S. Senate, Senator Smith has seen how CESs have proven successful in many states – and hopefully Minnesota will soon join that list!
A technology neutral CES is crucial to driving a rapid, cost-effective clean energy transition while also putting the United States at the forefront of technology innovation. Minnesotans know that clean energy is key to our economic future. Before the pandemic, clean energy jobs were growing 2.5 times faster than overall job growth in the state – and that’s just the beginning.
Thank you to our partners Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM), LIUNA, and the 100% Campaign for helping spread the word about this event.Listeners can stay up to date on our work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
Fresh Energy, along with Clean Grid Alliance, Union of Concerned Scientists, and Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, has filed expert comments with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on Xcel Energy's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).
Join Fresh Energy's Allen Gleckner, Lead Director of Clean Electricity, and Ben Passer, Lead Director of Energy Access and Equity for a conversation about our comments on the Xcel IRP. We'll discuss both the good and the bad, including Xcel's plans for increased renewables, energy efficiency, a new fossil gas plant, the future of the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant, and more.
Listeners can stay up to date on our work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
What does rejoining the Paris Agreement really mean for the U.S., the Midwest, and for Minnesota? What can we do to take this moment and make a real impact with big carbon reduction policies? Minnesota’s energy and climate policies, including passing Governor Walz’s commitment to 100% carbon-free electricity into law, have a crucial role to play.
In this podcast, we dig into the details with J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director at Fresh Energy, Justin Fay, public affairs director at Fresh Energy, and authors of the new 100% carbon-free electricity bill, Representative Jamie Long and Senator Nick Frentz.
Listeners can stay up to date on our work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
Read our statements on the Paris Agreement and 100% carbon-free electricity.
The 2021 session of the Minnesota Legislature begins on January 5. Join Fresh Energy's Executive Director Michael Noble, Director of Public Affairs Justin Fay, and Policy and Public Affairs Associate Anna Johnson for a conversation about our plans and expectations for the coming session.
The conversation will touch on what election results could mean for clean energy, special session outcomes, the One Minnesota Path to Clean Energy, committee appointments, clean transportation, building decarbonization, energy efficiency, the green recovery, and more!
Listeners can stay up to date on our work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
Tune in to Fresh Energy's conversation with Eric Pasi, principal at IPS Solar and author of new book, CleanWave: A Guide to Success in the Green Recovery.
Rapidly advancing technology, high demand, and sheer affordability are pushing clean energy into the mainstream. With coal plants closing, pipelines under scrutiny, and prices for wind and solar dropping, fossil fuels in the United States are at a tipping point and clean energy is poised for major expansion. This exponential growth is prompting many students and mid-career professionals to ride the “CleanWave” and create a career in clean energy.
Tune in to get advice on breaking into the clean energy sector and get the scoop on how clean energy will be a catalyst for economic recovery. We will also discuss energy’s place in the renewed civil rights movement and hear how Eric sees his work as honoring his father’s Tongan legacy.
Listeners can stay up to date on our work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
In celebration of Give to the Max Day, we're sharing the conversation that Michael Noble, Fresh Energy's Executive Director, had with Dr. Leah Stokes, internationally-recognized clean energy thought leader at Fresh Energy's Virtual Benefit Breakfast in October.
Dr. Stokes brought her trademark energy to our virtual stage and put into clear focus Minnesota’s role in the national clean energy landscape. She challenged Minnesota to both pass strong policy and focus on implementing it effectively.
We've also included 25 minutes of post-election "bonus content" where Michael and Dr. Stokes discuss what the outcome of the election could mean for clean energy policy and federal leadership.
Listeners can stay up to date on our work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today!
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cleaner and more affordable than gasoline-powered cars—and they’re fun too! But many Minnesotans wonder how they really work here in the North Star State. Can they handle our extreme winters? Are they a pain to charge? Are there hidden costs to the technology? There’s so much information, where do you even begin?
Tune in to a recording of Fresh Energy, Shift2Electric, and American Lung Association's free educational workshop that’s unaffiliated with any automakers. On October 1, we had an honest conversation about EV technology, models available, advancements, emissions impacts, the realities of charging, and more. But don’t take it from us! Our panel of EV owners from around the state will tell you what it is really like to own, charge, and drive electric in Minnesota.
This event is part of National Drive Electric Week presented by Plug In America, Sierra Club, and Electric Auto Association and National Solar Tour.
Listeners can stay up to date on our work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today! Click here to learn more and donate.
Many Minnesotans are taking advantage of new technologies that provide cleaner and more resilient energy production and use – in their own back yards! These technologies used to be more expensive than fossil fuels, but rapid battery tech development and solar panel price reduction have changed the game making these technologies a better choice.
Join Shift2Electric, Fresh Energy, the Minnesota Electric Vehicle Owners Chapter to hear from Minnesotans who have made the switch to driving electric and harvesting electricity from the sun to power their homes and vehicles. Some of our panelists also have stationary battery storage systems that enable them to power their house even during a power outage while also making their household more grid friendly. Panelists share why they chose their specific systems, details about the design and installation process, and, most importantly, how this shift is working for them in their everyday life. There’s so much information! Our experts and panelists will help you get started.
This event is part of National Drive Electric Week presented by Plug In America, Sierra Club, and Electric Auto Association and National Solar Tour.
Listeners can stay up to date on our work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today! Click here to learn more and donate.
Minnesota is poised to pass Clean Cars Minnesota, a set of standards that would reduce climate change-causing air pollution and increase customer choices – but what do “clean car standards” really mean? Due in part to a misinformation campaign by opponents of Clean Cars Minnesota, many Minnesotans are confused about what the standards would and would not do. Will California bureaucrats decide which car you can drive? Will you have to give up your gas-powered truck? Will the cost of all vehicles go up? Tune in to this conversation with Fresh Energy's Anjali Bains and Margaret Cherne-Hendrick to find out.
Listeners can stay up to date on our work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today! Click here to learn more and donate.
Minnesota is working hard to create more affordable housing. But if we build structures that are not super-efficient, residents will be saddled with high energy bills—and we will miss an opportunity to improve our built environment, a top source of carbon emissions in the state. Now more than ever the topic of affordable housing has become even more critical.
In July 2020, Fresh Energy hosted conversations with Minnesota thought leaders and Fresh Energy staff about how super-efficient buildings can become the new normal in equitable affordable housing. This is the final episode in the four-part series featuring a discussion with Mayor Kim Norton of Rochester, Minnesota.
With the increased attention on affordable housing in this current crisis, we know that the conversation has only just begun and it’s crucial that energy efficiency be part of the equation. We must build new affordable housing that is so energy efficient it can be heated and cooled with small amounts of renewable electricity. It makes economic sense, it improves indoor air quality, and it also dramatically reduces carbon emissions.
We have the know-how to build super-efficient housing that is affordable over the long term. Why isn’t all new housing built that way, and how can we do better? Fresh Energy is bringing people together from diverse areas of the affordable housing arena to explore this issue.
Thank you to Stoel Rives LLP for sponsoring this event.
Meet the Speakers
Kim Norton has been the Mayor of Rochester, Minnesota, since 2018 and represented the area in the Minnesota House of Representatives for 10 years. Kim won a 2016 Bush Fellowship, which allowed her to complete a master’s degree at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs focused on energy policy and leadership. She has a strong commitment to ensuring that Rochester’s Destination Medical Center and many other new developments are super-efficient and is partnering with more than 20 Minnesota cities on a policy to allow cities the option of adopting a standard that is more ambitious than the current state energy code.
Justin Fay is Fresh Energy’s director of government affairs and joined our team in November of 2018. Previously, he was the Senior Chapter Representative from 2009 to 2018 for the Sierra Club North Star Chapter. Prior to that, he worked as the Field Director for the campaign to pass the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, and has held a variety of legislative and policy roles, including with the Nature Conservancy and the Campaign for Conservation. Justin leads our work with public agencies and policymakers at the state and local levels, and work to ensure that Fresh Energy’s policy and technical expertise is consistently available to key leaders in Minnesota. He strongly values our fact-based, professional approach to solving complex public problems. Justin obtained a Master of Public Policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. He also completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota in Morris. Justin enjoys traveling, catching baseball games, and when at home, getting bossed around by his family’s three cats.
Listeners can stay up to date on our work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today! Click here to learn more and donate.
Minnesota is working hard to create more affordable housing. But if we build structures that are not super-efficient, residents will be saddled with high energy bills—and we will miss an opportunity to improve our built environment, a top source of carbon emissions in the state. Now more than ever the topic of affordable housing has become even more critical.
In July 2020, Fresh Energy hosted conversations with Minnesota thought leaders and Fresh Energy staff about how super-efficient buildings can become the new normal in equitable affordable housing. This is the second in the four-part series featuring a discussion with Gina Ciganik, Chief Executive Officer of the Healthy Building Network.
With the increased attention on affordable housing in this current crisis, we know that the conversation has only just begun and it’s crucial that energy efficiency be part of the equation. We must build new affordable housing that is so energy efficient it can be heated and cooled with small amounts of renewable electricity. It makes economic sense, it improves indoor air quality, and it also dramatically reduces carbon emissions.
We have the know-how to build super-efficient housing that is affordable over the long term. Why isn’t all new housing built that way, and how can we do better? Fresh Energy is bringing people together from diverse areas of the affordable housing arena to explore this issue.
Thank you to Stoel Rives LLP for sponsoring this event.
Meet the Speakers
Gina Ciganik is the Chief Executive Officer of the Healthy Building Network. In her previous role at HBN she established and led the HomeFree initiative, an expansion of HBN’s healthy materials work into the affordable housing sector. Prior to HBN, she was Vice President of Housing Development at a Minneapolis-St. Paul area affordable housing development organization, where she spent two decades creating thousands of healthy, affordable homes, including The Rose, a 90-unit apartment building that set a new national standard for healthy materials.
As Director of Energy Access and Equity, Ben directs Fresh Energy’s work to advance equitable outcomes across Minnesota’s energy system, and also supports the organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. He joined Fresh Energy as a Policy Associate in May 2015. Ben’s previous experience includes legal clerkships with the Minnesota Department of Commerce and Honeywell International, and internships with Governor Mark Dayton and Senator John Marty. Ben holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Minnesota and a Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law. He is a member of the Minnesota Bar.
Listeners can stay up to date on our work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today! Click here to learn more and donate.
Minnesota is working hard to create more affordable housing. But if we build structures that are not super-efficient, residents will be saddled with high energy bills—and we will miss an opportunity to improve our built environment, a top source of carbon emissions in the state. Now more than ever the topic of affordable housing has become even more critical.
In July 2020, Fresh Energy hosted conversations with Minnesota thought leaders and Fresh Energy staff about how super-efficient buildings can become the new normal in equitable affordable housing. This is the second in the four-part series featuring a discussion with Mitra Jalali, Saint Paul City Councilmember. It was recorded on July 16.
With the increased attention on affordable housing in this current crisis, we know that the conversation has only just begun and it’s crucial that energy efficiency be part of the equation. We must build new affordable housing that is so energy efficient it can be heated and cooled with small amounts of renewable electricity. It makes economic sense, it improves indoor air quality, and it also dramatically reduces carbon emissions.
We have the know-how to build super-efficient housing that is affordable over the long term. Why isn’t all new housing built that way, and how can we do better? Fresh Energy is bringing people together from diverse areas of the affordable housing arena to explore this issue.
Thank you to Stoel Rives LLP for sponsoring this event.
Meet the Speakers
Mitra Jalali is the proud daughter of immigrants, a former classroom teacher, community organizer and policy aide who now represents Ward 4 on the St. Paul, Minn., City Council. Her main priorities in office include addressing the affordable housing crisis, community-first public safety, action on climate, and building community wealth.
Janiece Watts is a policy associate with Fresh Energy's Energy Access and Equity program. Janiece plays a key role that is working to advance equitable outcomes across Minnesota’s energy system. Her current projects include the Saint Paul Property-Dweller Property-Owner Energy Project, a unique, joint partnership with Community Stabilization Project, and collaborative work with environmental justice groups to improve air quality and reduce demand for oil through electrification of transportation. Janiece joined the Fresh Energy team in August 2018. Before joining Fresh Energy, Janiece worked as a community engagement manager for Eureka Recycling where she developed strategies on zero waste and environmental justice. She is an established organizer working for racial and environmental justice through outreach, events, community meetings, and political action in the Twin Cities for over ten years. She has a BA in Political Science and Environmental Science, Policy and Management from the University of Minnesota. Janiece is a board member of Headwaters Foundation for Justice and MN350. She loves food—from growing it in her garden to cooking and food cooking shows.
Listeners can stay up to date on our work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today! Click here to learn more and donate.
Minnesota is working hard to create more affordable housing. But if we build structures that are not super-efficient, residents will be saddled with high energy bills—and we will miss an opportunity to improve our built environment, a top source of carbon emissions in the state. Now more than ever the topic of affordable housing has become even more critical.
In July 2020, Fresh Energy hosted conversations with Minnesota thought leaders and Fresh Energy staff about how super-efficient buildings can become the new normal in equitable affordable housing. This is the first in the four-part series featuring a discussion with Elizabeth Turner, Architect and Founder of Precipitate. It was recorded on July 9, 2020.
With the increased attention on affordable housing in this current crisis, we know that the conversation has only just begun and it’s crucial that energy efficiency be part of the equation. We must build new affordable housing that is so energy efficient it can be heated and cooled with small amounts of renewable electricity. It makes economic sense, it improves indoor air quality, and it also dramatically reduces carbon emissions.
We have the know-how to build super-efficient housing that is affordable over the long term. Why isn’t all new housing built that way, and how can we do better? Fresh Energy is bringing people together from diverse areas of the affordable housing arena to explore this issue.
Thank you to Stoel Rives LLP for sponsoring this event.
Meet the Speakers
Elizabeth TurnerElizabeth Turner is an architect and founder of Precipitate, a firm that responds to the pressing social, economic, and ecological justice issues of today through deep listening and engagement, leading to holistic design at the intersection of architecture, research, policy, and education. As Passive House Consultant, Elizabeth pioneered pre-certification of the Hook & Ladder development—the first large multi-family project to PHIUS+2015 standards in Climate Zone 6A. This project is considered a “testing zone” for the industry and a model for super-efficient structures.
Margaret Cherne-HendrickAs Fresh Energy's director of beneficial electrification, Margaret leads Fresh Energy’s strategic imperative to decarbonize fossil fuel-dependent sectors of Minnesota’s economy and advances policy aimed at enhancing carbon sequestration potential across the state. Margaret joined Fresh Energy’s staff in 2018. She previously worked as a senior policy associate at the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Boston University. Margaret’s multidisciplinary background in climate science and energy policy – including work with the Environmental Protection Agency, Conservation Law Foundation, Barr Foundation, and Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET) – informs her approach to developing efficient, cost-effective, and inclusive decarbonization strategies. Margaret holds a PhD in Geography from Boston University, a MS in Organismal Biology and Ecology from the University of Montana, and a BA in Biology from Reed College. Her doctoral research explored the environmental and political impacts of continued investment in and consumption of natural gas fuels. Margaret is a member of the Minneapolis Energy Vision Advisory Committee. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors as well as spending time with her wife and dog.
Listeners can stay up to date on our work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today! Click here to learn more and donate.
Minnesota Attorney General Ellison made history last week when he filed a customer protection lawsuit against ExxonMobil, Koch Industries, and the American Petroleum Institute. This lawsuit aims to hold these major climate polluters accountable for their decades-long lies and misinformation about the climate harm their products have been causing in our state. But this is just the beginning and many Minnesotans are asking what comes next.
Listen to this webinar recorded on July 1 with guests from The Center for Climate Integrity, MN350, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, and Fresh Energy. Our experts discuss why now was the right time for this historic action, what it means for environmental and social justice, what makes Minnesota’s lawsuit different from other states, and what comes next.
Guests:
Michael Noble, Executive Director at Fresh EnergyMichael Noble is a 30-year energy leader, well-known for shaping and driving the major public policy innovations that are speeding Minnesota and the Midwest’s transition from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy. As Executive Director of Fresh Energy, Michael builds and catalyzes partnerships to secure new policies and harness market forces to achieve visionary change. At this moment, with electricity becoming cleaner and transportation now the top source of carbon pollution,
J. Drake Hamilton, Science Policy Director at Fresh EnergyJ. is Fresh Energy’s science policy director. An expert in climate and energy policy at the state and national levels, her responsibilities include scientific analysis and policy development of clean energy solutions to global warming that will maximize economic opportunities. J. represents Fresh Energy at the global climate summits, and witnessed the historic 2015 Paris Agreement; she showcased Minnesota’s nation-leading deep carbon reductions at the 2017 Bonn Climate Summit.
Sam Grant, Executive Director, MN350Sam Grant has been organizing around the intersection of economic, cultural and environmental justice since working on his college campus for divestment from South Africa and working for passage of legislation ensuring that both workers and communities have the right to know about toxic chemicals in their workplaces and communities. Sam brings decades of nonprofit leadership, transformative organizing, and love to the work of MN350.
Joy Anderson, Senior Staff Attorney, Minnesota Center for Environmental AdvocacyJoy is a senior staff attorney at Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, where she works on climate, water quality, and mining issues. Before joining MCEA, she was a partner at Minneapolis law firm Gray Plant Mooty, where she was a litigator and chair of the pro bono committee.
Alyssa Johl, Legal Director, The Center for Climate Integrity
Listeners can stay up to date on our work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today! Click here to learn more and donate.
On June 11, 2020, Fresh Energy staff and leadership had a conversation about the immediate steps that Minnesota legislators can take to act quickly and decisively during summer 2020 special legislative sessions. On this webinar, we discuss the four recommendations put forward by Fresh Energy that addresses the most urgent needs of Minnesotans first:
- Prioritize Transformational Police Reform and Community Recovery
- Protect Communities Disproportionately Affected by COVID-19
- Prioritize Bonding Investments in Transit and Affordable Housing
- Allocate the Renewable Development Account to Energy Projects in Under-Resourced Communities
Take Action: Your legislators need to hear from you about your expectations for a Special Session in these unprecedented times. To help you get started, we summarized the recommendations on this podcast into a letter you can copy, paste, and edit to best suit you. Click here for additional information and to view the letter.
Listeners can stay up to date on our work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today! Click here to learn more and donate.
Join nationally leading experts Dr. Marla Spivak, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, and Fresh Energy's Rob Davis for an in-depth discussion on their work around the global climate crisis, clean energy, and pollinator health. Most of the audio for this podcast comes from a live webinar hosted by The Center for Pollinators in Energy at Fresh Energy recorded in April 2020.
Guest Details:
Dr. Marla Spivak is a MacArthur Fellow and Distinguished McKnight Professor in Entomology at University of Minnesota. Dr. Spivak’s specific area of study is honeybees and she kicks off the webinar discussion with a honey bee 101 and then dives into threats to bee health and what we can do to protect them.
Dr. Katharine Hayhoe is an Endowed Professor in Public Policy and Public Law in the Public Administration program of the Department of Political Science at Texas Tech University and co-directs the Climate Center at Texas Tech. Dr. Hayhoe ties together the connections between pollinator health, energy, and climate change, in the webinar discussion.
Rob Davis, Director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy at Fresh Energy, closes the webinar by sharing how Fresh Energy’s work to advocate for photovoltaic solar fields as pollinator habitat in Minnesota and across the country can reshape the renewable and pollinator landscape.
Stay up to date on all of Fresh Energy's pollinator-friendly solar and clean energy news at www.fresh-energy.org/subscribe.
In this podcast, we discuss how Fresh Energy's legislative and policy goals for the 2020 legislative session have changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and how the organization is pivoting work to provide thought leadership and action around energy access and equity. We also discuss the status of Fresh Energy's work around the Governor's One Minnesota Path to Clean Energy, Clean Cars Minnesota, and more.
Listeners can stay up to date on our work via our once monthly email list, blog at www.fresh-energy.org, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can support Fresh Energy’s work for a clean energy Minnesota by making a donation today! Click here to learn more and donate.
This episode was recorded in February 2020, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this episode, we discuss how Minnesota can cut waste in our energy system by improving our cities with super-efficient commercial buildings Join Ben Rabe, director of built environment at Fresh Energy, and Kevin Bright, energy and sustainability director for Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency, as they discuss Minnesota Step Code and what it could mean for cutting carbon in Minnesota.
Minnesota's 2020 legislative session has just begun, but Fresh Energy has been working since the close last session to grow support for our clean energy goals. We had some exciting successes in 2019 and we're geared up to make 2020 an even bigger year for clean energy. Join Fresh Energy's executive director, Michael Noble, and director of government affairs, Justin Fay, as they discuss Fresh Energy's legislative and policy plans for 2020.
J. Drake Hamilton, Fresh Energy's science policy director, discusses her big takeaways from the Global Climate Summit in Madrid and what COP25's outcomes mean for Minnesota. J. also highlights some Minnesota businesses that were at the Summit and how they're helping to move the needle and setting the pace for other businesses around the world. Read J.'s daily blog posts from the summit at https://fresh-energy.org/cop25/.