Decarbonize: The Clean Energy Podcast

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!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/

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!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/

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. 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/

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 PasserFresh Energy launches reimagined and co-created community spaceNew Energy Access and Equity leadership at Fresh EnergyAnd 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. 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/

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 200homes were outfitted with solar panels. Solarize Brownsville brought together communityMargaret Cherne-Hendrick, Lead Director, Energy Transition at Fresh EnergyMargaret Cherne-Hendrick steers Fresh Energy’s work to decarbonize our economy through the transFresh 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/

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 PaulRuss 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 shFresh 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/

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 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/

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?PanelistsBrian Larson, Co-Founder and CEO of Darcy SolutionsBrian 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 455Tony 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 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 electrificaFresh 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/

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 EnergyJustin Fay, Lead Director of Public Affairs at Fresh Energy Anna Johnson, Senior Associate of Public Affairs at Fresh Energy Topics: ECO ActNatural Gas Innovation ActSolar investments including solar on schools, an extension of Xcel Energy's Solar Rewards program, and an innovative "brightfields" projectClean energy jobs and economic developmentBuy Clean Buy Fair studyThe new office of community transition at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic DevelopmentClean Cars MinnesotaWhite House's American Jobs Plan and American Rescue Planand 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 CommunityVirtual Benefit Breakfast with BlocPower's Donnel Baird on October 14, 2021Fresh 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 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 PHEVJodi, 2013 Nissan LeafBrian and Karen, Tesla Model Y and Chevrolet BoltHeather, 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!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/