Decarbonize: The Clean Energy Podcast

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/

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 DecarbonizationHost: 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: What's up with rate cases?  blog postDetails on the Natural Gas Innovation Act (NGIA)Deep dive into CenterPoint Energy's rate case in MinnesotaRate case Action Alert for CenterPoint customersAbout Fresh Energy's Gas Decarbonization programFresh 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/

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 NetworkRukiya Colvin, freelance writerMarnese Jackson, co-director, Midwest Building Decarbonization CoalitionAdam Mahoney, reporter, GristModerator: Ken Paulman, director, Energy News NetworkListeners 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. 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/

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 AssociateListeners 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! 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 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 DirectorJustin Fay, Lead Director of Public AffairsAnna 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!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/

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!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/

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!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/