Coal-burning power plants are Minnesota’s number one source of carbon pollution. Last week, we learned that two of the state’s most coal-dependent utilities will begin to move away from coal and the carbon, mercury, and other pollution it creates.

Last fall, Fresh Energy and the Will Steger Foundation hosted eight large public forums across Minnesota—focused on clean energy, climate, and health. In January, Will Steger and J. Drake Hamilton met in person with Governor Mark Dayton to deliver postcards signed by thousands of forum attendees.

On January 22 and 24, the Minnesota Senate Committee on Environment and Energy will hold two days of hearings on the impact of climate change in Minnesota. If your state senator is on the committee, urge him or her to listen closely at the hearings and take action in 2013.

Today, Fresh Energy sent a letter to President Obama, urging him to elevate climate solutions to the top tier of his domestic policy agenda.

Last week, Fresh Energy joined three Minnesota partners in applauding the Obama administration for setting soot standards that are 20 percent tougher than current policy.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has ordered Xcel Energy to study whether or not it makes economic sense to keep its oldest coal-fired power units at the Sherco Generating Station operating.

When the dust finally settles after the election, our newly elected leaders will need to finally tackle energy policy. Fresh Energy is partnering with the Will Steger Foundation to host several free public forums on clean energy, climate, and health across Minnesota this fall.

10.16.12 // Join fellow Minnesotans concerned about climate change and clean air to watch tonight’s second presidential debate at the Amsterdam Bar in downtown St. Paul.

Field & Stream magazine has just released the results of a new poll by the National Wildlife Federation that shows hunters and anglers tend to be conservatives who support environmental protections.

On August 7, the Rochester Public Utilities board voted to retire its 64-year-old Silver Lake plant—a 100-megawatt coal plant adjacent to downtown. It’s a clear victory for clean air and health and supports continued progress down Minnesota’s clean energy path.