Decarbonize: The Clean Energy Podcast

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 | RMIEmma 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 | MN350Tee 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 HealthJessie 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 youFresh 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.Follow us on Social Media!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytodayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

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 EngineeringMartha 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 utiFresh 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.Follow us on Social Media!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytodayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

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—or listen to the recordings here on our podcast!Today's webinar features voting rights and civic engagement as 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 | COPALCarolina 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:CERTsCitizen’s Utility Board of MinnesotaClimate GenerationFresh 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.Follow us on Social Media!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytodayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

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.  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.Follow us on Social Media!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytodayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

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 PanelistsKelsey Bilsback, PhD | she/her | PSE Healthy EnergyBarbara Freese | Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA)James Gignac | he/him | Union of Concerned ScientistsBret Pence | he/him | Minnesota Interfaith Power & LightIsabel Ricker | she/her | Fresh EnergyJenna Yeakle | she/her | Sierra ClubModerator: Jo Olson | she/her | Fresh EnergyAdditional 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.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.Follow us on Social Media!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytodayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

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.PanelistsLaura 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- 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.Follow us on Social Media!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytodayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

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 MinnesotaHosted by:- Justin Fay, Lead Director, Public Affairs at Fresh Energy- Eric Fowler, Senior Coalition Communications and Policy Associate at Fresh EnergyFresh 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.Follow us on Social Media!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytodayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/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 EnergyMari Ojeda, Senior Policy Associate, Energy Access and Equity at Fresh EnergyHost: Jo Olson, Director of Communications and EngagementListeners 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 billLeading with Equity and Justice in the Clean Energy Transition - Green & Healthy Homes Initiative 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.Follow us on Social Media!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytodayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

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 EnergyJ. Drake Hamilton, Senior Director, Science Policy at Fresh Energy Jim Ladner, Fresh Energy Board MemberHost: Jo Olson, Director of Communications and EngagementListeners 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.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.Follow us on Social Media!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytodayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

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 EnergyJoshua Houdek, Sierra ClubMadi Johnson, MN350Dave Seamonds and Ellen Robo, ERM GroupModerated by Fresh Energy’s Briana KerberWhat'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!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.Follow us on Social Media!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytodayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/