This spring, a team of Fresh Energy internship students from the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment tackled a self-directed, important question: how is Minnesota’s clean energy transition progressing amid federal funding uncertainty? Their research culminated in a presentation and 26-minute podcast episode, “The Impact of Uncertainty,” featuring interviews with key stakeholders across the state.
In the episode, Helen Grote, Haley Deans, Hariette Ngam, Osman Jermusek, Emma Kapinus, and Linda Lubi explored Minnesota’s successful Solar on Schools program, which has already benefited over 100 schools across the state. The program not only lowers energy costs for school districts but also integrates renewable energy into classroom learning, with special emphasis on serving under-resourced school districts.
They also examined the Minnesota Climate Innovation and Finance Authority (MNCIFA), our state’s green bank that was established in 2023. Despite facing significant challenges with federal funding freezes affecting about 20% of their capital assets, MNCIFA continues its mission to invest in clean energy projects in Minnesota with a focus on environmental justice communities.
“We can’t let our current political climate keep us from serving our communities,” explained Linda Lubi, a Charles R. Krussell Fellow through UMN’s Center for Urban & Regional Affairs working with Fresh Energy and the internship team. “This won’t stop us from doing the work we want to do. I think this podcast episode is about how you can find hope within your community and how you can help people locally.”
This sentiment was echoed by Jamez Staples, CEO of Renewable Energy Partners, who was interviewed for the podcast and remains optimistic about Minnesota’s renewable energy future despite the funding obstacles. His message was clear: progress continues regardless of federal setbacks.
Linda, who joined Fresh Energy in October 2024, is now embarking on an exciting new research project studying the public health impacts of the Green Line light rail in Saint Paul over the past 10 to 15 years. Linda will be conducting this study with Fresh Energy’s John Vaughn and students from St. Catherine University in Saint Paul.
Stay tuned for more about Linda’s research on the Green Line and listen to the full “Impact of Uncertainty” podcast episode, now available on Fresh Energy’s podcast and embedded below, “Decarbonize: The Clean Energy Podcast,” to learn more about how Minnesota is persisting in its energy transition despite federal funding challenges.
