Plus: An Ohio State University team aims to build the world’s fastest electric car.
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On May 21, Fresh Energy’s J. Drake Hamilton will speak in Brooklyn Park on climate change and the enormous benefits of clean renewable energy in Minnesota.
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Clean Energy
Minnesota Senate passes Energy Omnibus bill
Today, the Minnesota Senate passed its Energy Omnibus bill in a 37-26 vote. This comes after the Minnesota House of Representatives passed the House version of the bill on Tuesday.
View Full StoryThis week’s Midwest Energy News: Minnesota House passes a new solar standard, Senate gets its chance today
Plus: The University of Wisconsin receives $10 million for a program to help the dairy industry reduce its climate impact.
View Full StoryEnergy Efficiency
Small changes, big benefits: Positioning utilities to promote energy efficiency—and achieve their business goals
Minnesota spends more than $20 billion annually on energy, yet none of it—coal, oil, uranium, and natural gas—is native to our state. Energy efficiency provides the cheapest, cleanest route to fulfilling our state’s energy needs while creating jobs, significantly reducing pollution, and keeping more money in our local economies. Fresh Energy is pursuing two different pieces of legislation this session that will help Minnesota make the most of energy efficiency.
View Full StoryNews Release: Clean energy advocates push Minnesota Power to commit to renewables, energy efficiency in energy plan
Today, Minnesota Power filed its Integrated Resource Plan to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, opening a public comment period on how the state’s second largest investor-owned electric utility will improve northern Minnesota’s energy portfolio for the next 15 years.
View Full StoryMinneapolis benchmarking and disclosure ordinance passes unanimously
On February 8, the Minneapolis City Council unanimously voted to pass an ordinance requiring large commercial buildings to report and publicly disclose energy consumption, making it the first Midwestern city to adopt such a policy.
View Full StoryGlobal Warming
News Release: Minnesotans request environmental review of $350-million Minnesota Power coal plant proposal
Today, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, on behalf of over 100 Minnesota citizens, filed a request for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for Minnesota Power’s proposal to spend $350 million to continue operating one coal burning unit at its Boswell Energy Center—known as unit 4.
View Full StoryNews Release: Fresh Energy offers strong support for EPA administrator nominee Gina McCarthy
Following a confirmation hearing this morning before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Fresh Energy, a supporter of federal clean air and climate safeguards, announced its strong support for Environmental Protection Agency nominee Gina McCarthy.
View Full StoryMarch 14 | Getting real about climate change
On March 14, the League of Women Voters of Minneapolis will present a free public forum on climate change and its worldwide impact at Mayflower Community Congregational UCC in south Minneapolis.
View Full StoryTransportation & Land Use
House action needed now after Senate passes transformative transportation bill
On May 10, the Minnesota Senate passed a slightly modified version of an earlier comprehensive transportation funding bill 35-27. Fresh Energy supports this bill, which will provide transformative funding for transit, walking, and biking, and needed road funding.
View Full StoryMay 15 | Take action for transit at the Capitol
Show your support for increased funding for transit and bicycling, pedestrian, and accessibility improvements at the Minnesota State Capitol on May 15!
View Full StoryJune 12 | Brake for Breakfast
On June 12, join us to celebrate Bike Walk Week in the Twin Cities for a free breakfast along the Midtown Greenway!
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