The Earth’s temperature is rising, and the threats are real: lost
species, disappearing ecosystems, rising floods, and deadly droughts
and disease. We are already seeing the effects of global warming
around the world as weather patterns change, brutal storms pound our
coastal regions, and animal populations decline.
The problem is pollution from power plants,
vehicles, and buildings. The solutions – innovative technologies and
tough laws and regulations that require firm deadlines for emission
reductions.
Our Work
Fresh Energy works daily to advance global warming solutions by
promoting smart state and national legislation that reduces global
warming pollution; catalyzing innovative approaches by business and
local governments; and spreading the word to businesses, government
and citizens that global warming must be confronted now. Here’s what
we’re doing to accomplish those efforts...
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Advising State Leaders – Fresh Energy staff was appointed to Governor Tim Pawlenty's new Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group, convened to identify, evaluate, and recommend a plan to substantially reduce the state's global warming pollution.
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Building Relationships – By developing
powerful relationships with businesses, faith leaders, allied
organizations and citizens, we advocate for deep permanent
pollution reductions that will slow global warming.
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Pushing for Tough Standards – We’re working
to ensure that no subsidies, incentives or commitments are made
to new coal-fired plants unless they produce zero emissions.
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Protecting the Climate – Fresh Energy is
developing legislative consensus and support for passing strong
climate protection policy at the state and federal level.
Victories
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Climate Change Protection Bill – The
Minnesota Senate in 2004 passed a measure that requires the
state to develop a climate change protection plan. Supportive
testimony was provided by Fresh Energy and other leading
advocates.
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Metro Emissions Reduction Project – Fresh
Energy supported this Xcel Energy project to cut about one
million tons of carbon dioxide pollution every year. Xcel is now
in the process of replacing three coal-fired power plants in
Minnesota with cleaner solutions like new natural gas-fired
plants or retrofitted technology.
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Public Presentations –Fresh Energy gives
highly acclaimed public presentations throughout the region on
global warming solutions. Recent groups have included Target
Corporation, the City of Woodbury, and the Geological Society of
America.
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Media Expertise – The media looks to Fresh
Energy experts to report on global warming news and for
commentary on global warming issues.
Future
Directions
Fresh Energy will support policies that lead to deep, permanent
reductions in global warming emissions. We will continue to support
policies and leaders at the federal, state, and local level that
will ensure we slow global warming while improving our 21st century
energy system.
Together with allied organizations, Fresh Energy will work in the
Midwest for sound policy solutions to reduce global warming
pollution by 80% in the electricity sector by 2030. On the horizon,
we hope to jumpstart similar analyses and strategies for the
transportation sector.
What You Can Do
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Spread the Word – Help share the news about
global warming solutions. Contact Fresh Energy at 651-225-0878
or info@fresh-energy.org
to schedule a speaker at your
congregation, civic organization, or workplace.
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Make Your Voice Heard – Urge your elected
officials to create a federal, market-based program that would
limit and reduce global warming emissions...and set enforceable
deadlines for doing so.
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Lower Your Personal Impact – Each one of us
needs to act to slow global warming. Use a carbon pollution
calculator like the one available at
www.carbonneutral.com to
determine the effect you’re having on the Earth’s climate. Set a
“carbon budget” and adjust your behavior to lower your
contribution
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