In the Media

For Fresh Energy media requests, contact:

Jo Olson
Senior Director, Communications and Engagement
Mobile    218 290 6247
olson@fresh-energy.org

11/21/2024 // COP-29 with J. Drake Hamilton of Fresh Energy in Azerbaijan. J. Drake Hamilton, Senior Director, Science Policy, interviewed. (KMSU)

11/19/2024 // CenterPoint lobbyist ghostwrote comments to support gas appliance rebates. Caitlin Eichten, Senior Policy Associate, Buildings, quoted. (Energy and Policy Institute)

11/17/2024 // Putting farm fields under a green blanket with climate friendly fertilizer. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Senior Lead, Innovation and Impact, quoted. (Kiowa County Press)

11/15/2024 // Putting farm fields under a green blanket with climate friendly fertilizer. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Senior Lead, Innovation and Impact, quoted. (Public News Service)

11/13/2024 // Minnesota Humanities Center CEO Kevin Lindsey champions clean energy initiatives. Board Member Kevin Lindsey, interviewed. (Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder)

10/17/2024 // Xcel required to disperse $500,000 for overdue bills. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (Patriot News MN)

10/9/2024 // Latest Catan board game adds new challenge: produce power without over-polluting. Eric Fowler, Senior Policy Associate, Buildings, Anjali Bains, Managing Director, Transportation, quoted. (MPR News)

10/8/2024// IRP Settlement Accelerates Xcel’s Clean Energy Transition. Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (RTO Insider)

10/2/2024 // Minneapolis Climate Action takes equitable approach to combating climate change. Shubha M. Harris, Equitable Energy Policy Consultant, quoted. (Minn Post)

9/27/2024 // Burning biomass, trash could be ‘carbon-free’in Minnesota, regulators say. Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (Inforum)

9/26/2024 // Burning biomass, trash could be ‘carbon-free’ in Minnesota, regulators say. Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (Duluth News Tribune)

9/25/2024 // Green Energy Orgs to Xcel: Save Customers $3.5B With This 1 Simple Trick. Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (Racket)

9/24/2024 // Cruising at 30,000 feet with cleaner jet fuel: MN part of sustainability efforts. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Senior Lead, Innovation and Impact, quoted. (Public News Service)

9/23/2024 // Advocates say their alternative to Xcel’s plan for new gas plants could save customers billions. Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (Minnesota Reformer)

9/21/2024 // Minnesota advocates say their alternative to Xcel’s plan for new gas plants could save customers up to $3.5 billion. Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (Star Tribune)

9/20/2024 // Gas ban opponents try new approaches as ‘fuel choice’ bills stall. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Senior Lead, Innovation and Impact, quoted. (SP Global)

9/17/2024 // Minnesota advocates say their alternative to Xcel’s plan for new gas plants could save customers up to $3.5 billion. Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (Energy News Network)

8/29/2024 // How a gas company and environmentalists united on a first-of-its-kind geothermal project. Caitlin Eichten, Senior Policy Associate, Buildings, quoted. (The Christian Science Monitor)

8/12/2024 // How to chart a cleaner energy future for Minnesota? Electrification. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Senior Lead, Innovation and Impact, author. (News From The States)

8/12/2024 // How to chart a cleaner energy future for Minnesota? Electrification. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Senior Lead, Innovation and Impact, author. (Minnesota Reformer)

8/7/2024 // How Tim Walz Pushed Minnesota Towards Aggressive Climate Policies. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (The Ukiah Daily Journal)

8/7/2024 // How Tim Walz Pushed Minnesota Towards Aggressive Climate Policies. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (Japan Times)

8/7/2024 // Walz Brings Midwestern Style to Climate Policy: Green Daily. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (Bloomberg)

8/6/2024 // How Tim Walz Pushed Minnesota Towards Aggressive Climate Policies. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (BNN Bloomberg)

8/1/2024 // Minnesota approves nearly $1 billion project to bring North Dakota wind power to state. Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (Star Tribune)

7/29/2024 // Minnesota green-lights first natural gas ‘innovation’ plan. Caitlin Eichten, Senior Policy Associate, Buildings, quoted. (E&E news)

7/26/2024 // CenterPoint’s landmark $106 million clean energy plan approved by regulators. Caitlin Eichten, Senior Policy Associate, Buildings, quoted. (Star Tribune)

7/25/2024 // Does carbon-free mean carbon-neutral? Activists, industry fight over details in new Minnesota energy law. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (Sahan Journal)

7/12/2024 // With new home energy rebates on horizon, MN wants to emphasize equity. Eric Fowler, Senior Policy Associate, Buildings, quoted. (Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder)

7/12/2024 // With new home energy rebates on horizon, MN wants to emphasize equity. Eric Fowler, Senior Policy Associate, Buildings, quoted. (Public News Service)

6/24/2024 // Flourescents to Begin to Disappear Starting Next Year. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (KRWC 1360)

6/17/2024 // MN to begin moving away from fluorescent lightbulbs, other products in 2025. Eric Fowler, Senior Policy Associate, Buildings, quoted. (KRWC)

6/12/2024 // Minnesota takes rare step to allow power lines alongside highways. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (Canary Media)

6/12/2024 // Fluorescent tubes on the outer in Minnesota. Eric Fowler, Senior Policy Associate, Buildings, quoted. (Big News Network)

6/12/2024 // MN turns out the light on fluorescent bulbs. Eric Fowler, Senior Policy Associate, Buildings, quoted. (Public News Service)

6/10/2024 // Heat pumps are ‘cheapest, healthiest’ way to meet Minnesota’s climate goals, local coalition says. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Senior Lead, Innovation and Impact, quoted. (Sahan Journal)

6/6/2024 // New Energy Laws Save Money & Lower Emissions. Eric Fowler, Senior Policy Associate, Buildings, interviewed. (KMSU The Maverick)

6/6/2024 // Clean Heat Minnesota releases study that maps Minnesota’s most feasible, cost-effective path to decarbonization. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Senior Lead, Innovation and Impact, quoted. (Red Lake Nation News)

6/3/2024 // Sustainable: New laws update residential code, energy rules. Eric Fowler, Senior Policy Associate, Buildings, interviewed. (Finance and Commerce)

5/31/2024 // Minnesota Approves Otter Tail Power Modified Integrated Resource Plan. Isabel Ricker, Senior Director, Clean Electricity, quoted. (Solar Industry Mag)

5/23/2024 // Minnesota advocates push for pause on utility shutoffs after study reveals racial disparities. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (MinnPost)

5/20/2024 // Minnesota advocates push for pause on utility shutoffs after study reveals racial disparities. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (Energy News Network)

5/8/2024 // Xcel proposal would give automatic bill credits to households in low-income areas. Shubha M. Harris, Equitable Policy and Affordability Consultant, quoted. (Sahan Journal)

5/8/2024 // Why wonky building codes could be key in reducing state’s climate impact. Eric Fowler, Senior Policy Associate, Buildings, quoted. (MPR News)

5/6/2024 // Balls, orbs or neurons: the pioneering tech helping Great River Energy manage transmission lines. Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (AOL)

5/6/2024 // Balls, orbs or neurons: The pioneering tech helping Great River Energy manage transmission lines. Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (Star Tribune)

4/17/2024 // Heat pumps can replace traditional water heaters. Eric Fowler, Senior Policy Associate, Buildings, interviewed. (Star Tribune)

4/17/2024 // How to solar power your home to lower your carbon footprint. Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (Star Tribune)

4/16/2024 // Commentary: This license plate will strengthen solar’s social license in Minnesota. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (Energy News Network)

4/10/2024 // Xcel Energy hopes charging more for electricity during peak hours will encourage customers to shift energy use. Isabel Ricker, Director, Clean Electricity, quoted. (MPR News)

4/5/2024 // Want a climate-friendly home? You might need a new breaker box. Eric Fowler, Senior Policy Associate, Buildings, interviewed. (Yale Climate Connections)

4/5/2024 // Networked geothermal is catching on in Minnesota. New legislation aims to push the technology further. Joe Dammel, Managing Director, Buildings, quoted. (Energy News Network)

3/20/2024 // What’s the future of gas? In Minnesota, utilities have to share 10-year visions. Joe Dammel, Managing Director, Buildings, quoted. (Energy Central)

3/19/2024 // A new plan for Midwest power lines could cost $23 billion. Is it enough? Mike Schowalter, Senior Manager, Wholesale Electric Grid Transition, quoted. (Star Tribune)

3/18/2024 // What’s the future of gas? In Minnesota, utilities have to share 10-year visions. Joe Dammel, Managing Director, Buildings, quoted. (MinnPost)

3/18/2024 // What’s the future of gas? In Minnesota, utilities have to share 10-year visions. Joe Dammel, Managing Director, Buildings, quoted. (Energy News Network)

3/15/2024 // Councilors Push For Stronger Clean Car Standards. J. Drake Hamilton, Senior Director, Science Policy, quoted. (95 KQDS)

3/15/2024 // Councilors Push For Stronger Clean Car Standards. J. Drake Hamilton, Senior Director, Science Policy, quoted. (Duke FM)

3/15/2024 // Councilors Push For Stronger Clean Car Standards. J. Drake Hamilton, Senior Director, Science Policy, quoted. (710 WDSM)

3/14/2024 // Councilors Push For Stronger Clean Car Standards. J. Drake Hamilton, Senior Director, Science Policy, quoted. (KDAL-AM)

3/14/2024 // Duluth councilors advocating for stronger federal clean car standards. J. Drake Hamilton, Senior Director, Science Policy, quoted. (Northern News Now)

3/14/2024 // Duluth City Councilors advocate strong federal clean car standards. J. Drake Hamilton, Senior Director, Science Policy, quoted. (WDIO ABC)

3/13/2024 // Minnesota GOP bill would prevent municipalities from banning gas stoves, heating. Justin Fay, Senior Lead, Public Affairs and Advocacy, quoted. (Star Tribune)

3/13/2024 // Minnesota ‘innovation plans’ call on gas utilities to imagine their clean energy future. Joe Dammel, Managing Director, Buildings, quoted. (Minnesota Reformer)

3/13/2024 // Minnesota ‘innovation plans’ call on gas utilities to imagine their clean energy future. Joe Dammel, Managing Director, Buildings, quoted. (MinnPost)

3/12/2024 // Minnesota utility’s plan for getting off gas isn’t enough, critics say. Joe Dammel, Managing Director, Buildings, quoted. (Canary Media)

3/11/2024 // Minnesota ‘innovation plans’ call on gas utilities to imagine their clean energy future. Joe Dammel, Managing Director, Buildings, quoted. (Energy News Network)

3/7/2024 // The Midwest’s grid operator is planning a massive new transmission buildout. Will it be enough? Mike Schowalter, Senior Manager, Wholesale Electric Grid Transition, quoted. (Energy News Network)

3/4/2024 // Minnesota coalition seeks to remove barriers to building power lines along highways. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (MinnPost)

3/4/2024 // Bill will reduce Minnesota’s greenhouse gas emissions. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Senior Lead, Innovation and Impact, quoted. (Big News Network)

3/1/2024 // In advancing clean energy, MN coalition wants power lines along highways. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (Public News Service)

2/29/2024 // It’s time for a Clean Transportation Standard for Minnesota. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Senior Lead, Innovation and Impact, co-author. (MinnPost)

2/29/2024 // Minnesota coalition seeks to remove barriers to building power lines along highways. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (Energy News Network)

2/19/2024 // Minnesota is a Leader in the New Energy Economy. J. Drake Hamilton, Senior Director, Science Policy, interviewed. (The Future of Work Podcast)

2/15/2024 // Minnesota regulators cut community solar bill credits to save money for Xcel customers. Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (Star Tribune)

2/14/2024 // Citizens Addressing our Changing Climate: Driving an electric vehicle in sub-zero temperatures. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (The Bemidji Pioneer)

2/7/2024 // Wind and solar energy producers frustrated by connection delays, congestion in power grid. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Senior Lead, Innovation and Impact, quoted. (MPR News)

2/4/2024 // Xcel Energy seeks to keep Minnesota nuclear plants open through 2050. Isabel Ricker, Director, Clean Electricity, quoted. (Post Bulletin)

2/1/2024 // Electric Vehicles Are On the Move In The Northland. Jukka Kukkonen, Clean Transportation Consultant, interviewed. (Fox 21)

2/1/2024 // Xcel Energy proposes to keep operating nuclear plants until early 2050s. Isabel Ricker, Director, Clean Electricity, quoted. (Star Tribune)

2/1/2024 // Xcel Energy proposes to keep operating nuclear plants until early 2050s. Isabel Ricker, Director, Clean Electricity, quoted. (MPR News)

1/30/2024 // MN coalition: Give residents a voice in phasing in clean heat sources. Brynn Kirsling, Senior Manager, Advocacy Campaigns, quoted. (Minnesota-Spokesman Recorder)

1/30/2024 // Coalition wants to expand availability of electric heating. Brynn Kirsling, Senior Manager, Advocacy Campaigns, quoted. (Big News Network)

1/29/2024 // MN coalition: Give residents a voice in phasing in clean heat sources. Brynn Kirsling, Senior Manager, Advocacy Campaigns, quoted. (Public News Service)

1/22/2024 // A community solar plan would save Xcel customers money — but cost some cities and schools millions. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (Yahoo News)

1/22/2024 // A community solar plan would save Xcel customers money — but cost some cities and schools millions. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (Star Tribune)

1/19/2024 // A Minnesota utility is turning one of the country’s biggest coal plants into a solar farm. Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (Fast Company)

1/18/2024 // Charging your electric vehicle is half the battle. Take these steps to make your home EV ready. Jukka Kukkonen, Clean Transportation Consultant, quoted. (Star Tribune)

1/16/2024 // Getting to Green in Minnesota. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Senior Lead, Innovation and Impact, interviewed. (MPR News)

1/12/2024 // A Minnesota Utility Is Swapping Coal for Solar. It’s Like Taking 780,000 Cars Off the Road. Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (Inside Climate News)

1/11/2024 // How will COP28 Impact Minnesota? with J Drake Hamilton. J. Drake Hamilton, Senior Director, Science Policy, interviewed. (KMSU Maverick)

1/9/2024 // As session approaches, Minnesota lawmakers plan to keep advancing shift to clean energy. Justin Fay, Senior Lead, Public Affairs and Advocacy, quoted. (Inforum)

1/9/2024 // As session approaches, Minnesota lawmakers plan to keep advancing shift to clean energy. Justin Fay, Senior Lead, Public Affairs and Advocacy, quoted. (Austin Daily Herald)

1/9/2024 // Making a Difference: Clean Energy council members want healthy future for world. J. Drake Hamilton, Senior Director, Science Policy, mentioned. (The Free Press)

1/9/2024 // As session approaches, Minnesota lawmakers plan to keep advancing shift to clean energy. Justin Fay, Senior Lead, Public Affairs and Advocacy, quoted. (MPR News)

1/2/2024 // MISO Year in Review: 2023 — and Likely 2024 — Dedicated to Deflecting Reliability Issues. Mike Schowalter, Senior Manager, Wholesale Electric Grid Transition, quoted. (RTO Insider)

12/21/2023 // Xcel closing first unit at Sherco coal plant, a milestone in energy transition. Isabel Ricker, Director, Clean Electricity, quoted. (Star Tribune)

12/19/2023 // Mac-Grove couple show the world what MN is doing for climate change. J. Drake Hamilton, Senior Director, Science Policy, quoted. (My Villager)

11/28/2023 // Good news for students concerned with clean energy climate issues. J. Drake Hamilton, Senior Director, Science Policy, quoted. (Sun Current)

11/7/2023 // Xcel unveils $45M EV rollout plan, a scaled-back version of scrapped proposal. Anjali Bains, Lead Director, Energy Access and Equity, quoted. (Star Tribune)

10/29/2023 // Diverse coalition aims to curb emissions in Minnesota buildings. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Senior Lead, Innovation and Impact, quoted. (Sahan Journal)

10/24/2023 // Officials announce Clean Heat Minnesota initiative. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Senior Lead, Innovation and Impact, quoted. (CBS News)

10/16/2023 // Gov. Tim Walz’s clean-car emissions rule survives legal challenge from auto dealers. J. Drake Hamilton, Senior Director, Science Policy, quoted. (Star Tribune)

10/13/2023 // Hydrogen hub in Minnesota and North Dakota wins nearly $1 billion in federal money. Craig McDonnel, Managing Director, Industry, quoted. (Star Tribune)

10/4/2023 // ‘Power to the people’: Efforts to ensure equitable clean energy transition. Anjali Bains, Lead Director, Energy Access and Equity, and Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Senior Lead, Innovation and Impact, quoted. (Austin Daily Herald)

10/3/2023 // ‘Power to the people’: Efforts to ensure equitable clean energy transition. Anjali Bains, Lead Director, Energy Access and Equity, and Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Senior Lead, Innovation and Impact, quoted. (MPR)

9/7/2023 // Colleague Corner: What’s the most important thing you have on or near your desk right now? Joe Dammel, Managing Director, Buildings, featured. (Minnesota State Bar Association Magazine)

9/5/2023 // Rochester bets on geothermal to power a green future. Joe Dammel, Managing Director, Buildings, quoted. (MPR)

8/24/2023 // New MN Law Gives Skeletons of Buildings a Green Makeover. Justin Fay, Senior Lead, Public Affairs and Advocacy, quoted. (Public News Service)

8/14/2023 // Lakes Area Electric Vehicle Event draws over 100 local residents to First Lutheran Church on Saturday. J. Drake Hamilton, Senior Director, Science Policy, mentioned. (D-L Online)

8/11/2023 // Legislative Wrap Up: A Carbon-Free Minnesota. Brenda Cassellius, Executive Director, and Anjali Bains, Lead Director, Energy Access and Equity, interviewed. (Counter Stories)

8/9/2023 // Advancing Clean Energy in Minnesota: Challenges and Opportunities. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Senior Lead, Innovation, and Impact, quoted. (Energy Portal)

8/7/2023 // The challenge, and opportunity, of ‘getting to green’ in Minnesota. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Senior Lead, Innovation and Impact, interviewed. (MPR)

8/7/2023 // How could Minnesota become carbon-free? New MPR News series dives in. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Senior Lead, Innovation and Impact, quoted. (MPR)

8/7/2023 // Transit, Solar Access, Commercial Buildings Part of MN Climate Push. Anna Johnson, Senior Manager, State and Local Affairs, quoted. (Heartland Signal)

8/7/2023 // Transit, Solar Access, Commercial Buildings Part of MN Climate Push. Anna Johnson, Senior Manager, State and Local Affairs, quoted. (Public News Service)

8/4/2023 // 2nd annual Lakes Area EV Event set for Aug. 12 at First Lutheran Church. J. Drake Hamilton, Senior Director, Science Policy, mentioned. (D-L Online)

6/29/2023 // CenterPoint proposes $106M plan to cut carbon emissions from its gas system. Joe Dammel, Managing Director, Buildings, quoted. (Star Tribune)

6/13/2023 // A New Kind of Clean Energy Utility Is Born in Massachusetts. Joe Dammel, Managing Director, Buildings, quoted. (Heatmap)

6/5/2023 // Xcel asks to withdraw Minn. EV charging proposal. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Senior Lead, Innovation and Impact, quoted. (E&E News)

6/5/2023 // Sustainable: A big year for climate at the Legislature. Michael Noble, Executive Director, quoted. (Finance and Commerce)

6/1/2023 // Minnesota’s former education leader aims to give kids a healthier planet. Brenda Casselius, interviewed. (MPR)

5/25/2023 // Minnesota lawmakers update commercial building code amid flurry of energy bills. Eric Fowler, Senior Associate, Buildings, quoted. (MinnPost)

5/24/2023 // 3 ways Minnesota is crushing it on climate action. Justin Fay, Senior Lead, Public Affairs and Advocacy, Anna Johnson, Senior Manager, State and Local Affairs, Michael Noble, Executive Director, quoted. (Canary Media)

5/24/2023 // Minnesota will revamp community solar garden program, but questions about cost remain. Isabel Ricker, Director of Clean Electricity, quoted. (Star Tribune)

5/24/2023 // Minnesota lawmakers update commercial building code amid flurry of energy bills. Isabel Ricker, Director of Clean Electricity, quoted. (Energy News Network)

5/20/2023 // Xcel, Minnesota vie for billions in federal funds to create ‘clean’ hydrogen hub. Craig McDonnel, Managing Director, Industry, quoted. (Star Tribune)

5/19/2023 // Two states are ramping up clean energy incentives. That was the Inflation Reduction Act’s point. Justin Fay, Senior Lead, Public Affairs and Advocacy, quoted. (Inside Climate News)

5/18/2023 // Minn. lawmakers agree to ‘historic’ environment and climate bill. Justin Fay, Senior Lead, Public Affairs and Advocacy, quoted. (Echo Press)

5/18/2023 // State lawmakers agree to ‘historic’ environment and climate bill. Justin Fay, Senior Lead, Public Affairs and Advocacy. (MPR News)

5/17/2023 // Minn. lawmakers reach historic deal on environment, climate, energy. Justin Fay, Senior Lead, Public Affairs and Advocacy, quoted. (Yahoo News)

5/17/2023 // Minnesota lawmakers reach historic deal on environment, climate and energy. Justin Fay, Senior Lead, Public Affairs and Advocacy, quoted. (Star Tribune)

5/12/2023 // North Dakota oil, natural gas production ‘mixed bag’. Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (Star Tribune)

5/8/2023 // Clean Grid Alliance: Clean energy organizations celebrate the state court approval of the Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line. Mike Schowalter, Senior Manager, Wholesale Electric Grid Transition, quoted. (WisBusiness)

5/9/2023 // Approval for Cardinal-Hickory Creek Segment Draws Mixed Reactions. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (RTO Insider)

5/5/2023 // Renewable energy with Fresh Energy Executive Director Michael Noble. Michael Noble, Executive Director, interviewed. (KYMN)

4/21/2023 // MN joins ‘matching funds game’ for clean-energy projects. Anjali Bains, Lead Director, Energy Access and Equity, quoted. (Heartland Signal)

4/21/2023 // MN joins ‘matching funds game’ for clean-energy projects. Anjali Bains, Lead Director, Energy Access and Equity, quoted. (Public News Service)

4/20/2023 // MN joins ‘matching-funds game’ for clean-energy projects. Anjali Bains, Lead Director, Energy Access and Equity, quoted. (Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder)

4/7/2023 // In Minnesota, ‘smart panels’ seen as a possible alternative to expensive electrical upgrades. Eric Fowler, Policy Associate, Buildings, quoted. (Minnesota Reformer)

4/7/2023 // In Minnesota, ‘smart panels’ seen as a possible alternative to expensive electrical upgrades. Eric Fowler, Policy Associate, Buildings, quoted. (Energy News Network)

3/27/2023 // In CenterPoint pilot project, CO2 waste will be used for soap-making. Joe Dammel, Managing Director, Buildings, quoted. (Star Tribune)

3/24/2023 // Minnesota regulators approve 2.7% natural gas rate hike for Xcel. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (Star Tribune)

3/24/2023 // Minnesota’s community solar garden program set for a revamp under proposed legislation. Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (Star Tribune)

3/15/2023 // ‘I barely use any fuel’: Lots of choices, lots of demand for EVs. Jukka Kukkonen, Clean Transportation Consultant, quoted. (MPR)

3/7/2023 // $115M Minnesota fund could help match federal grants for energy projects. Anjali Bains, Lead Director, Energy Access and Equity, quoted. (Star Tribune)

3/4/2023 // ENHABIT: A conference on sustainable design + building in the 21st Century. Eric Fowler, Senior Policy Associate, Buildings, mentioned. (Herald Review)

3/2/2023 // Could allowing more nuclear power help Minnesota’s switch to carbon-free electricity? Fresh Energy, mentioned. (MPR News)

2/22/2023 // Politics distract from clean energy’s real opportunities and compromises. Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (Star Tribune)

2/16/2023 // Kraft bill to update commercial energy codes clears committee. Joe Dammel, Managing Director, Buildings, mentioned. (Sun Sailor)

2/14/2023 // Walz signs bill to move Minnesota to 100% clean electricity by 2040. Michael Noble, Executive Director, quoted. (The Caledonia Argus)

2/11/2023 // Capping a clean energy career with a breakthrough. Michael Noble, Executive Director, interviewed. (Star Tribune)

2/11/2023 // Minnesota’s new clean power mandate poses thorny and expensive challenges. Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (Star Tribune)

2/10/2023 // Democrats wrestle with studying ‘advanced’ nuclear energy in wake of Minnesota carbon-free bill. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Energy News Network)

2/9/2023 // Democrats wrestle with studying ‘advanced’ nuclear energy in wake of Minnesota carbon-free bill. Fresh Energy mentioned. (MinnPost)

2/7/2023 // Governor Walz signs bill moving Minnesota to 100% clean energy by 2040. Michael Noble, Executive Director, quoted. (Krox AM)

2/7/2023 // Can Minnesota reach standards in 100% carbon-free energy by 2040 bill without nuclear? Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (Minnesota Reformer)

2/3/2023 // Minnesota’s 2040 carbon-free energy bill advances to Gov. Walz for signature. Michael Noble, Executive Director, quoted. (Star Tribune)

2/2/2023 // Minnesota is set to require carbon-free electricity. What does that mean? Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (Albert Lea Tribune)

2/2/2023 // Minnesota is set to require carbon-free electricity. What does that mean? Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (MPR)

1/31/2023 // This utility is blending hydrogen into fossil gas. Can it scale? Joe Dammel, Managing Director, Buildings, quoted. (Yahoo News)

1/31/2023 // Gas utility’s Minnesota hydrogen pilot ‘good news’ so far, but questions remain. Joe Dammel, Managing Director, Buildings, quoted. (Minnesota Reformer)

1/30/2023 // National parks surrounding Lake Superior to begin decarbonizing facilities. Michael Noble, Executive Director, quoted. (ABC 10 News)

1/27/2023 // Gas utility’s Minnesota hydrogen pilot ‘good news’ so far, but questions remain. Joe Dammel, Managing Director, Buildings, quoted. (Energy News Network)

1/20/2023 // Q&A: Michael Noble departs Fresh Energy with optimism for future of climate policy. Michael Noble, Executive Director, interviewed. (MinnPost)

1/20/2023 // MN puts proposed “100% carbon-free” goal on fast track. Michael Noble, Executive Director, quoted. (Public News Service)

1/19/2023 // Bill requiring carbon-free electricity in Minnesota by 2040 passes first committee. Michael Noble, Executive Director, quoted. (The Bemidji Pioneer)

1/19/2023 // Bill requiring carbon-free electricity in Minnesota by 2040 passes first committee. Michael Noble, Executive Director, quoted. (Brainerd Dispatch)

1/19/2023 // Bill requiring carbon-free electricity in Minnesota by 2040 passes first committee. Michael Noble, Executive Director, quoted. (MPR)

1/12/2023 // Minnesota DFLers push bills for carbon-free electricity by 2040. Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (Star Tribune)

1/6/2023 // Fresh Energy executive director Michael Noble to deliver convocation at Carleton College. Michael Noble, Executive Director, mentioned. (Carleton College News)

12/14/2022 // Walz, DFL lawmakers look to speed up shift to carbon-free electricity. Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (DL-Online)

12/13/2022 // Walz, DFL lawmakers look to speed up shift to carbon-free electricity. Allen Gleckner, Executive Lead, Policy and Programs, quoted. (MPR News)

12/8/2022 // This is the impact EVs have on the environment, according to an expert. Fresh Energy mentioned. (The Manual)

12/8/2022 // Minnesota researcher calls for local action after global climate summit. J. Drake Hamilton, Senior Director, Science Policy, quoted. (Sahan Journal)

12/5/2022 // Solar coalition wants to put equity front and center in Xcel’s Minnesota rate case. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Minnesota Reformer)

12/1/2022 // December solar policy snapshots. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Solar Power World)

11/22/2022 // Reader’s Write: Time to save ourselves. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Star Tribune)

11/17/2022 // Working to secure a clean energy future. Mike Schowalter, Senior Policy Associate, Clean Electricity, interviewed. (KMSU Radio)

11/16/2022 // Clean energy and climate are poised to take priority in new DFL-controlled Minnesota Legislature. Justin Fay, senior lead, public affairs and advocacy, quoted. (Sahan Journal)

11/11/2022 // Minnesota solar installers say it still takes too long to connect to Xcel’s grid. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Energy News Network)

11/10/2022 // State approves Minnesota Power plan to exit coal by 2035, add more renewables. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Star Tribune)

11/10/22 // Climate Cast: Dire warnings from world leaders at annual global climate conference. J. Drake Hamilton, senior director, science policy, quoted. (MPR News Climate Cast)

11/10/22 // Midwest trifectas bolster Democrats’ climate ambition. Justin Fay, senior lead, public affairs and advocacy, quoted. (E&E News)

11/10/22 // Duluth-based Utility Company Plans To Expand Its Renewable Energy Sources. Allen Gleckner, executive lead, policy and programs, quoted. (Microgrid Media)

11/9/22 // Four States Just Got a ‘Trifecta’ of Democratic Control, Paving the Way for Climate and Clean Energy Legislation. Justin Fay, senior lead, public affairs and advocacy, quoted. (Inside Climate News)

11/9/22 // Minnesota Utility Plans Aggressive Renewable Energy Expansion. Allen Gleckner, executive lead, policy and programs, quoted. (Government Technology)

11/7/22 // Minnesota Power will close coal plants by 2035 under new agreement. Allen Gleckner, executive lead, policy and programs, quoted. (E&E News)

11/8/22 // Minnesota Power plans for more renewable energy over next 15 years. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Bemidji Pioneer)

11/7/22 // Minnesota PUC approves new cost-sharing program for residential solar interconnection upgrades. Isabel Ricker, director, clean electricity, quoted. (Solar Power World)

11/3/22 // Minnesota aims for lower carbon emissions, yet its natural gas network keeps growing. Joe Dammel, managing director, buildings, quoted. (StarTribune)

10/31/22 // Local companies retool to remove climate villain from your fridge and AC. J. Drake Hamilton, senior director, science policy, quoted. (StarTribune)

10/14/22 // Opening Up Space on MN’s Clean-Energy ‘Highway.’ Mike Schowalter, senior policy associate, clean electricity, quoted. (Public News Service)

9/30/22 // 3M hopes its new powder can help unlock green hydrogen production. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, senior lead, innovation and impact, quoted. (StarTribune)

9/22/22 // Bees, sheep, crops: Solar developers tout multiple benefits. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (ABC17 / FOX39)

9/06/22 // Midwest grid operator feels heat as it signals need for gas. Allen Gleckner, executive lead, policy and programs, quoted. (E&E News)

8/31/22 // Xcel Energy seeks state approval to build 730 EV charging stations. MK Anderson, senior policy associate, energy transition, quoted. (CBS Minnesota)

8/30/22 // Why the Inflation Reduction Act is a BIG deal. Janiece Watts, director of culture and partnerships, quoted. (Medium)

8/25/22 // The human and financial cost of air pollution in Minnesota. Fresh Energy mentioned. (MinnPost)

8/22/22 // More Midwest banks see opportunity to finance solar, energy efficiency projects. Fresh Energy mentioned. (The Omaha Daily Record)

8/16/22 // New federal climate bill renews hope for Minnesota groups. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (Public News Service)

8/13/22 // 5 changes Minnesotans will likely see from the historic climate bill. Joe Dammel, managing director, buildings, quoted. (StarTribune)

8/8/22 // Minnesota’s EV infrastructure on verge of big growth spurt. MK Anderson, senior policy associate, energy transition, quoted. (Public News Service)

8/6/22 // $300 million EV plan includes 730 high-speed chargers in Minnesota. Anjali Bains, lead director, energy access and equity, quoted. (Fargo Moorhead News)

8/5/22 // Xcel Energy plans massive EV charging buildout in Minnesota. Anjali Bains, lead director, energy access and equity, quoted. (Government Technology)

8/5/22 // $300 million EV plan includes 730 high-speed chargers in Minnesota. Anjali Bains, lead director, energy access and equity, quoted. (Rochester Post Bulletin)

8/5/22 // $300 million EV plan includes 730 high-speed chargers in Minnesota. Anjali Bains, lead director, energy access and equity, quoted. (The Bemidji Pioneer)

8/5/22 // $300 million EV plan includes 730 high-speed chargers in Minnesota. Anjali Bains, lead director, energy access and equity, quoted. (Grand Forks Herald)

8/2/22 // Xcel’s $300M electric vehicle plan includes 730 high-speed chargers in Minnesota. Anjali Bains, lead director, energy access and equity, quoted. (StarTribune)

7/28/22 // Projects to expand the power grid will make room for more renewable energy and less coal. Mike Schowalter, senior policy associate, clean electricity, quoted. (MinnPost)

7/26/22 // Midwest grid greenlights huge U.S. transmission investment to unlock renewables. Mike Schowalter, senior policy associate, clean electricity, quoted. (PoliticoPro)

7/26/22 // MISO Approves 18 Transmission Projects in US Midwest, Integrating More Renewable Energy. Mike Schowalter, senior policy associate, clean electricity, quoted. (T&D World)

7/25/22 // Minnesota Power, Great River Energy plan nearly $1 billion line connecting Iron Range, central Minnesota. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Duluth News Tribune)

7/25/22 // Utilities plan to spend $2.2B on new power line projects in Minnesota. Mike Schowalter, senior policy associate, clean electricity, quoted. (StarTribune)

7/1/22 // Supreme Court ruling won’t affect clean energy push in Minnesota. J. Drake Hamilton, senior director, science policy, quoted. (StarTribune)

6/23/22 // Experts work to protect biodiversity on Jimmy Carter’s solar farm. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Albany CEO)

6/23/22 // Experts work to protect biodiversity on Jimmy Carter’s solar farm. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Middle Georgia CEO)

6/22/22 // Save the bees and go solar. Fresh Energy’s Center for Pollinators in Energy mentioned. (Environment America)

6/3/22 // CenterPoint, Xcel move forward with ‘green’ hydrogen pilot projects. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, senior lead, innovation and impact, quoted. (StarTribune)

5/27/22 // A Minnesota town wants to replace its coal plant with solar. Some locals aren’t happy. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (WESA 90.5 Pittsburgh)

5/27/22 // A Minnesota town wants to replace its coal plant with solar. Some locals aren’t happy. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (NPR Illinois)

5/27/22 // A Minnesota town wants to replace its coal plant with solar. Some locals aren’t happy. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (KUAR 89.1 Little Rock)

5/27/22 // A Minnesota town wants to replace its coal plant with solar. Some locals aren’t happy. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (Maine Public)

5/22/22 // Grid monitor warns of blackouts from supply, demand issues. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (Government Technology)

5/22/22 // Midwest at greater risk for rolling blackouts. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (Telegraph Herald)

5/21/22 // ‘A sobering report’: Grid monitor warns of blackouts amid growing demand, shrinking supply. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (The Wisconsin State Journal)

5/15/22 // Midwest at greater risk for rolling blackouts. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (Greater Milwaukee Today)

5/15/22 // Midwest at greater risk for rolling blackouts. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (The Denver Gazette)

5/15/22 // Midwest at greater risk for rolling blackouts. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (The Lewiston Tribune)

5/15/22 // Midwest at greater risk for rolling blackouts. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (Janesville Gazette)

5/15/22 // Midwest at greater risk for rolling blackouts. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (Hastings Tribune)

5/14/22 // Midwest, including Minnesota, at greater risk for rolling blackouts this summer. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (StarTribune)

5/10/22 // Apartment building retrofits can help the climate and save tenants money. Mari Ojeda, senior policy associate, energy access and equity, quoted. (Yale Climate Connections)

5/9/22 // Activists say Native and lower-income communities are disproportionately harmed by coal and gas power plants. They’re calling on Minnesota Power to adopt more renewable energy and to close some plants. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Sahan Journal)

5/4/22 // Minnesota approves framework to assess alternatives to gas. Joe Dammel, director, gas decarbonization, quoted. (E&E News)

5/3/22 // State agency, attorney general differ on Minnesota Power’s future. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Duluth News Tribune)

4/28/22 // Energy-efficient updates needed for MN’s aging homes. Mari Ojeda, senior policy associate, energy access and equity, quoted. (Public News Service)

4/27/22 // Coal capital Becker could be home to state’s largest solar project. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (Newsbreak)

4/27/22 // Largest coal plant in Minnesota could be replaced by solar project. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis)

4/26/22 // Becker could be home to state’s largest solar project. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (Austin Daily Herald)

4/26/22 // Coal capital Becker could be home to state’s largest solar project. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (MPR News)

4/22/22 // Coping with skyrocketing new and used car prices. Jukka Kukkonen, clean transportation consultant, interviewed. (MPR News)

4/8/22 // Duluth councilor, state senator urge action on stalled federal climate change plan. J. Drake Hamilton, senior science policy director, clean electricity, quoted. (Duluth News Tribune)

4/4/22 // Minnesota bill aims to close a gap on funding for ‘pre-weatherization’ work. Mari Ojeda, senior policy associate, energy access and equity, quoted. (Great Lakes Now/Detroit Public TV)

4/4/22 // Minnesota bill aims to close a gap on funding for ‘pre-weatherization’ work. Mari Ojeda, senior policy associate, energy access and equity, quoted. (Minnesota Reformer)

3/31/22 // As Minnesota regulators reject Xcel’s $150M EV rebate plan, focus moves to legislation. Anjali Bains, lead director, energy access and equity, quoted. (UtilityDive)

3/31/22 // Minnesota bill aims to close a gap on funding for ‘pre-weatherization’ work. Mari Ojeda, senior policy associate, energy access and equity, quoted. (Energy News Network)

3/28/22 // Minnesota cities want permission to move faster than state on energy codes. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Minnesota Reformer)

3/24/22 // Minnesota cities want permission to move faster than state on energy codes. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Energy News Network)

3/24/22 // Solar habitat installations support Minnesota pollinators. Michael Noble, executive director of Fresh Energy, quoted. (North American Clean Energy)

3/17/22 // Heat pumps could be part of the solution to decarbonizing Minnesota and addressing climate change. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, lead director, energy transition, quoted. (MinnPost)

3/14/22 // Under new settlement, CenterPoint’s residential customers would get 3.9% increase in monthly bills. Fresh Energy mentioned. (StarTribune)

3/12/22 // Groundbreaking PV-SMaRT project publishes first case study: Ramsey, MN. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Great Plains Institute)

3/10/22 // US electric co-ops look to diversify with more solar, geothermal, and nuclear. Fresh Energy’s Center for Pollinators in Energy mentioned. (Coop News)

3/09/22 // More people consider going electric amid rising gas prices. Jukka Kukkonen, clean transportation consultant for Fresh Energy, quoted. (Kare 11)

3/09/22 // The largest remaining tall-grass prairie in Texas is getting solar panels. Environmentalists can’t stop it. Fresh Energy mentioned. (The Independent)

3/08/22 // In Texas, an environmental battle over solar in a tall-grass prairie. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Daily Green World)

3/01/22 // What does it take to make the switch to an electric vehicle? Jukka Kukkonen, clean transportation consultant for Fresh Energy, interviewed. (CBS Minnesota)

2/23/22 // Charting a path for energy efficiency in MN commercial buildings. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, lead director, energy transition, quoted. (Public News Service)

2/22/2022 // Minnesota regulators want Xcel to cut wait time for connecting solar to its grid. Isabel Ricker, senior manager, clean electricity, quoted. (Minnesota Reformer)

2/21/2022 // Solar array on hundreds of acres in Rosemount could help power Pine Bend refinery. Isabel Ricker, senior manager, clean electricity, quoted. (StarTribune)

2/15/2022 // Minnesota regulators want Xcel to cut wait time for connecting solar to its grid. Isabel Ricker, senior manager, clean electricity, quoted. (Energy News Network)

2/9/2022 // People of color are more likely to live in multifamily housing with high heating bills. Modernizing Minnesota’s building codes to improve energy efficiency would save them money—and help the environment. Ben Rabe, director of building performance for Fresh Energy, quoted. (Sahan Journal)

2/8/2022 // ‘A bold step’: Environmental groups praise Xcel Energy’s plans to close coal plants, bolster renewables. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (Bring Me The News)

1/23/2022 // What will best keep Xcel’s grid reliable in a pinch: Gas plants or batteries? Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (StarTribune)

1/21/2022 // Xcel’s long-range plan faces pushback over role of fossil peaking plants. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (Energy News Network)

1/20/2022 // Dispelling misinformation on wind, solar amid utility rate hikes. Isabel Ricker, senior clean electricity manager, clean electricity, quoted. (Public News Service)

1/10/2022 // Good news in 2021: Fresh Energy’s Executive Director Michael Noble highlights 5 stories of equitable clean energy policy. Michael Noble, executive director, interviewed. (KAXE/KBXE)

1/7/2022 // Minnesota regulators OK sale of power line tied to North Dakota’s largest coal plant. Michael Noble, executive director, mentioned. (Brainerd Dispatch)

1/7/2022 // Minnesota regulators OK sale of power line tied to North Dakota’s largest coal plant. Michael Noble, executive director, mentioned. (The Dickinson Press)

1/7/2022 // Minnesota PUC approves controversial power line transfer linked to N.D. coal plant. Michael Noble, executive director, mentioned. (St. Paul Pioneer Press)

1/6/2022 // Minnesota regulators green light sale of power line tied to North Dakota’s largest coal plant. Michael Noble, executive director, mentioned. (Post Bulletin)

1/3/2022 // Climate concerns expected to spur heat pump sales. Ben Rabe, director of building performance, quoted. (Finance & Commerce)

1/3/2022 // An energy transition needs lots of power lines. This 1970s Minnesota farmers’ uprising tried to block one. What can it teach us? Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (Inside Climate News)

12/25/2021 // Driving electric in winter less challenging as ranges continue to grow. Jukka Kukkonen, clean transportation consultant for Fresh Energy, quoted. (Duluth News Tribune)

12/18/2021 // Electric vehicle revolution brings changes to Minnesota garages. Jukka Kukkonen, clean transportation consultant, and Anjali Bains, lead director, energy access and equity, quoted. (Star Tribune)

12/16/2021 // Q&A: Fresh Energy Weighs in on Renewable Natural Gas from Anaerobic Digestion. Joe Dammel, director of gas decarbonization, interviewed. (GPI)

12/9/2021 // Innovative Project Drives Down Costs and Improves Water Quality Management at Solar Farms. Fresh Energy mentioned. (North American Clean Energy)

11/20/2021 // Minnesota, the Midwest are central in combating climate change. J. Drake Hamilton, senior science policy director, quoted. (StarTribune)

11/15/2021 // Toro expands electric fleet to commercial equipment. Jukka Kukkonen, clean transportation consultant for Fresh Energy, quoted. (StarTribune)

11/10/2021 // Tax Credits, Money Saved, and Zero-to-60: Let’s Talk About Electric Vehicles. Jukka Kukkonen, clean transportation consultant, interviewed. (Cahill Financial Advisors)

11/8/2021 // Driving toward an electric future. Jukka Kukkonen, clean transportation consultant, quoted. (Business North)

11/4/2021 // Northfield, SCC honored for work to increase EVs, charging infrastructure. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Faribault Daily News)

11/4/2021 // Climate Cast: Minnesotans represent the Midwest—the world’s sixth-largest emitter—at COP26. J. Drake Hamilton, senior science policy director, interviewed and quoted. (MPR)

11/4/2021 // Bees, sheep, crops: Solar developers tout multiple benefits. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (AP News)

11/4/2021 // Solar advocates tout multiple benefits, opportunities to diversify crop production. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (WCCO 4 | CBS Minnesota)

11/4/2021 // Bees, sheep, crops: Solar developers tout multiple benefits. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (ABC News)

11/2/2021 // Xcel Energy, Colorado’s largest utility, pledges to cut all greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Denver Business Journal)

11/2/2021 // Major utility sets net-zero goal for natural gas. Joe Dammel, director, gas decarbonization, quoted. (E&E News)

11/1/2021 // Xcel Energy announces net-zero greenhouse gas goal by 2050. Joe Dammel, director, gas decarbonization, quoted. (KSTP TV)

11/1/2021 // Xcel unveils goal of carbon-neutral natural gas by 2050. Joe Dammel, director, gas decarbonization, quoted. (StarTribune)

10/28/2021 // Utility that cools downtown St. Paul now offsets 100 percent of carbon emissions. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Pioneer Press)

10/28/2021 // Utility that cools downtown St. Paul now offsets 100 percent of carbon emissions. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Daily Green World)

10/27/2021 // Ecolution: Janiece Watts and Fresh Energy. Janiece Watts, director of culture and partnerships, interviewed. (Minnesota Women’s Press)

10/21/2021 // In Minnesota, old power plants could be the on-ramp for new wind and solar. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (Northfield News)

10/21/2021 // In Minnesota, old power plants could be the on-ramp for new wind and solar. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (National Wind Watch)

10/21/2021 // In Minnesota, old power plants could be the on-ramp for new wind and solar. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (Energy News Network)

10/18/2021 // Renewables and storage provide reliable, cost-effective, clean energy future for Xcel Energy. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (North American Clean Energy)

10/16/2021 // U.S. Energy secretary campaigns in St. Paul to push Biden’s $4.5 trillion spending plan. Fresh Energy mentioned. (KMSP TV) 

10/15/2021 // U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Minnesota senators make clean energy policy pitch. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (StarTribune)

10/02/2021 // Upper Midwest renewable energy projects spark need for more power lines. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (StarTribune)

10/01/2021 // Electric car sales pitch heads to northern Minnesota to drive up interest. Jukka Kukkonen, clean transportation consultant, quoted. (MPR News)

9/25/2021 // Minnesota company aims to help families tap into carbon markets to conserve forests. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (StarTribune)

9/25/2021 // Minnesota solar projects stalled due to Xcel Energy’s delays. Isabel Ricker, senior clean electricity manager, clean electricity, quoted. (PowerLinks)

9/25/2021 // Long waits to connect to Xcel’s grid are stalling Minnesota solar projects. Isabel Ricker, senior clean electricity manager, clean electricity, quoted. (Faribault Daily News)

9/23/2021 // Long waits to connect to Xcel’s grid are stalling Minnesota solar projects. Isabel Ricker, senior clean electricity manager, clean electricity, quoted. (Renewable Energy World)

9/20/2021 // Long waits to connect to Xcel’s grid are stalling Minnesota solar projects. Isabel Ricker, senior clean electricity manager, clean electricity, quoted. (Energy News Network)

9/16/2021 // An open letter to the CEOs of Business Roundtable members who have said they are ‘All In” for climate action. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (Climate Power)

9/15/2021 // Pollinator friendly solar farms may increase crop yields. Fresh Energy mentioned. (RTO Insider)

9/9/2021 // Wayzata Plug It In event. J. Drake Hamilton, senior science policy director, mentioned. (Sun Sailor)

9/2/2021 // Otter Tail Power to sell ownership interested in North Dakota coal-fired plant. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Fargo Forum)

9/2/2021 // Otter Tail Power plans to pull out of North Dakota coal plant. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity quoted. (StarTribune)

8/27/2021 // Xcel scrapping plan to build new 800-MW gas-fired plant. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity quoted. (POWER Magazine)

8/27/2021 // Climate groups file brief supporting Minnesota’s climate fraud lawsuit. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (Red Lake Nation News)

8/26/2021 // Exxon sting surfaces in climate litigation. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (E&E News)

8/24/2021 // Minnesota lawmakers look to low-carbon fuel standards as a way to address transportation emissions. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (MinnPost)

8/06/2021 // Federal car emission standards appear to dovetail with MN plan. Senior clean transportation manager for Fresh Energy Anjali Bains, interviewed. (KXLG Radio South Dakota)

8/06/2021 // Federal car emission standards appear to dovetail with MN plan. Senior clean transportation manager for Fresh Energy Anjali Bains, quoted. (Public News Service)

8/04/2021 // EvoCharge: Minnesota adopts clean cars standard that requires more electric vehicles. Chair of the board for Fresh Energy Raj Rajan, quoted. (Parking Network)

8/04/2021 // Renewable power plants need better planning and design. Fresh Energy, mentioned. (Renewable Energy World)

8/03/2021 // Despite one big dissent, Minnesota utilities approve of coal plant sale, But obstacles remain. Executive director for Fresh Energy Michael Noble, mentioned. (Inside Climate News)

7/29/2021 // The Hill’s morning report – Presented by Facebook. Lead director, energy access and equity for Fresh Energy Ben Passer, mentioned. (The Hill)

7/27/2021 // State adopts clean cars standard that require more electric vehicles. Chair of the board for Fresh Energy Raj Rajan, quoted. (StarTribune)

7/27/2021 // Minnesota adopts CARB Standards. Chair of the board for Fresh Energy Raj Rajan, quoted. (Transport Topics)

7/26/2021 // Minnesota adopts ‘clean cars’ rules, New standards receive pushback. Chair of the board for Fresh Energy Raj Rajan, quoted. (KTTC TV)

7/26/2021 // Minnesota adopts ‘clean cars’ rules, New standards receive pushback. Chair of the board for Fresh Energy Raj Rajan, quoted. (Fox 47)

7/26/2021 // The Road to Clean, Electrified Transportation: State and Federal Pathways (Part 3 of 3). Anjali Bains, senior clean transportation manager at Fresh Energy, interviewed. (“Electrify This!” from Energy Innovation)

7/23/2021 // Plan to save North Dakota coal plant faces intense backlash from Minnesotans who would help pay for it. Michael Noble, executive director of Fresh Energy, quoted. (Inside Climate News)

7/21/2021 // Under new law, Minnesota gas utilities could play a role in electrification. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, lead director, energy transition, quoted. (Energy News Network)

7/19/2021 // Minnesota Power moving to rates that vary by time of day. Fresh Energy mentioned. (StarTribune)

7/15/2021 // Bloomington startup 75F lands $5m raise from Siemens. Fresh Energy board member Deepinder Singh, interviewed. (Twin Cities Business)

7/8/2021 // Pollinator-friendly landscape takes root beneath solar panels in Minnesota. Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy at Fresh Energy, quoted. (The Columbus Dispatch)

7/7/2021 // Pollinator-friendly landscape takes root beneath solar panels in Minnesota. Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy at Fresh Energy, quoted. (Florida News Times)

7/3/2021 // Pollinator-friendly landscape takes root beneath solar panels in Minnesota. Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy at Fresh Energy, quoted. (StarTribune)

7/1/2021 // New state funding puts solar on the curriculum for Minnesota schools. Fresh Energy board member Eric Pasi, interviewed. (Energy News Network)

6/30/2021 // Great River to sell coal plant, but still buy power from it. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (StarTribune)

6/28/2021 // MN climate groups applaud Xcel decision to drop plans for fossil gas plant. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Red Lake Nation News)

6/27/2021 // Xcel scrapping plan to build new 800-MW gas-fired plant. Allen Gleckner, lead director of clean electricity, quoted. (POWER Magazine)

6/26/2021 // Can solar farms help save bees? Rob Davis, director, the Center for Pollinators in Energy at Fresh Energy, quoted. (Discover Magazine)

6/25/2021 // New alternate Xcel Energy plan removes gas power plant, adds clean renewable energy. Allen Gleckner, lead director of clean electricity, quoted. (North American Clean Energy)

6/25/2021 // Xcel Energy changes course, new plan does not include Becker gas plant. Fresh Energy mentioned. (MPR News)

6/24/2021 // Fresh Energy shapes policy for a clean energy economy. Ben Rabe, building performance director, interviewed. (ENTER from AIA Minnesota)

6/24/2021 // How Minnesota Can Power a Greener, Cleaner Future. J. Drake Hamilton, senior director of science policy, quoted and Jukka Kukkonen, clean transportation consultant, quoted. (Minnesota Monthly)

6/23/2021 // Target’s sustainability goals on the WCCO morning news. J. Drake Hamilton, senior director of science policy, interviewed. (WCCO Radio)

6/21/2021 // A new type of solar in Minnesota. Fresh Energy mentioned. (The Paul and Jordana Show on WCCO Radio)

6/12/2021 // More EV charging stations on the horizon for Minnesota. Anjali Bains, senior clean transportation manager, energy transition, quoted. (StarTribune)

6/11/2021 // Coal is uncompetitive. Why do we burn so much? Isabel Ricker, senior clean electricity manager, clean electricity, mentioned as expert source. (The Energy Gang)

6/6/2021 // Op Ed: Wrong incentives drive energy decisions in Minnesota. Fresh Energy mentioned. (StarTribune)

5/31/2021 // Sustainable: ECO Act broadens energy efficiency options for businesses and customers. Isabel Ricker, senior clean electricity manager, clean electricity, quoted. (Finance & Commerce)

5/28/2021 // Minnesota’s new ECO Act will help ease the burdens of energy costs on low-income families, including many people of color. Ben Passer, lead director, energy access and equity, and Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, lead director, energy transition, quoted. (Sahan Journal)

5/27/2021 // Walz signs landmark bipartisan energy legislation. Michael Noble, executive director, Fresh Energy, quoted. (Minnesota Ag Connection)

5/19/2021 // Bee Week on the Buzz: Solar honey. Rob Davis, director, Center for Pollinators in Energy at Fresh Energy, interviewed. (Fox 9 KMSP TV)

5/18/2021 // Minnesota legislators agree on first major energy bill in years. Justin Fay, lead director, public affairs, quoted. (StarTribune)

5/16/2021 // Electrification raises concerns over stranded gas assets, customers. Ben Passer, lead director, energy access and equity, quoted. (RTO Insider)

5/10/2021 // Xcel Energy issues broad performance metrics report, setting markers for future progress. Allen Gleckner, lead director, clean electricity, quoted. (UtilityDive)

5/10/2021 // Judge OKs rule to cut car emissions, boost electric vehicles. Anjali Bains, senior clean transportation manager, and Jukka Kukkonen, electric vehicle consultant, quoted. (E&E News)

5/7/2021 // Minnesota “Clean Cars” rules get OK to move forward. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (Transport Topics)

5/7/2021 // Minnesota ‘clean cars’ rules may move forward, administrative law judge says. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (StarTribune)

5/7/2021 // Minnesota can move ahead with Clean Cars program, judge says. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Bring Me the News)

5/7/2021 // Minnesota Republicans hold state parks, museums, zoos hostage over EV fight. Justin Fay, lead director, public affairs, quoted. (Gizmodo)

5/5/2021 // Climate change policy: Shifting government support towards clean energy sources. Senior science policy director for Fresh Energy J. Drake Hamilton, quoted. (Solar Tribune)

5/5/2021 // Climate change action: Reduce/reuse/recycle more in daily life. Senior science policy director for Fresh Energy J. Drake Hamilton, quoted. (Solar Tribune)

5/1/2021 // In Minnesota, fighting climate change means changing how to heat buildings. Ben Rabe, building performance director, energy transition, quoted. (Star Tribune)

4/13/2021 // Walmart commits to restoring pollinator habitats and reversing nature loss. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Supermarket News)

4/13/2021 // Walmart increases efforts to protect birds, bees, other pollinators from pesticides. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Chain Store Age)

4/1/2021 // Minnesota’s community solar program leads the nation. Poorer people, often residents of color, are left in the shade. Ben Passer, lead director, energy access and equity, quoted. (Sahan Journal)

4/1/2021 // Community solar took off in Minnesota, but low-income residents have been left out. Ben Passer, lead director, energy access and equity, quoted. (MPR)

3/30/2021 // Fighting inequity with solar power. Ben Passer, lead director, energy access and equity, quoted. (NRDC)

3/27/2021 // Giving kids the building blocks to envision a solar future. Rob Davis, director of Center for Pollinators in Energy at Fresh Energy, quoted. (CleanTechnica)

3/25/2021 // Great River in talks to sell Coal Creek plant in North Dakota. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (StarTribune)

3/17/2021 // Action steps for clean energy. Anna Johnson, senior associate, public affairs, quoted. (Minnesota Women’s Press)

3/17/2021 // How brewers and distillers are helping honeybees. Rob Davis, director of Center for Pollinators in Energy at Fresh Energy, quoted. (Imbibe Magazine)

3/10/2021 // The energy future I see. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, lead director, energy transition, quoted. (Minnesota Women’s Press)

3/6/2021 // Xcel, environmentalists square off over planned gas-fired power plant. Allen Gleckner, lead director of clean electricity, quoted. (StarTribune)

3/5/2021 // Renewable energy advocate submits Solar Farm design to LEGO Ideas. Rob Davis, director of Center for Pollinators in Energy at Fresh Energy, quoted. (Solar Power World)

3/1/2021 // How I build equity into energy. Janiece Watts, senior associate, energy access and equity, quoted. (Minnesota Women’s Press)

2/26/2021 // Xcel’s 15-year energy plan offers opportunities to address environmental racism in Minnesota. Immigrant activists are determined to make it happen. Ben Passer, lead director, energy access and equity, quoted. (Sahan Journal)

2/24/2021 // Experts urge grid hardening amid decarbonization push. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, lead director, energy transition, quoted. (RTO Insider)

2/23/2021 // The good news about coal. Isabel Ricker, senior clean electricity manager, clean electricity, featured. (Minnesota Women’s Press) 

2/20/2021 // Minnesota homeowners, solar groups back solar panel bill. Isabel Ricker, senior clean electricity manager, clean electricity, quoted. (Star Tribune)

2/20/2021 // Minnesota homeowners, solar groups back solar panel bill. Isabel Ricker, senior clean electricity manager, clean electricity, quoted. (U.S. News & World Report)

2/20/2021 // Minnesota homeowners, solar groups back solar panel bill. Isabel Ricker, senior clean electricity manager, clean electricity, quoted. (WCCO News, CBS Minnesota)

2/20/2021 // Minnesota homeowners, solar groups back solar panel bill. Isabel Ricker, senior clean electricity manager, clean electricity, quoted. (MPR News)

2/17/2021 // How Does a Utility Turn a Net-Zero Vision into Reality? That’s What They’re Arguing About in Minnesota. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Inside Climate News)

2/17/2021 // Boldness required: Minnesota should adopt more ambitious climate policies. Op Ed co-authored by Michael Noble, executive director. (MinnPost)

2/13/2021 // State regulators push ahead with ‘clean car’ rules, despite GOP opposition. Anjali Bains, senior clean transportation manager, quoted. (Sun Thisweek)

2/13/2021 // Pioneering long-duration battery pilot project. Authored by J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director. (PV Europe)

2/11/2021 // Homeowners associations still a barrier for some would-be solar customers. Isabel Ricker, senior clean electricity manager, clean electricity, quoted. (Energy News Network)

2/8/2021 // GM’s EV Announcement, Automaker Turning Point. Jukka Kukkonen, electric vehicle consultant, interviewed. (WCCO Radio)

2/4/2021 // State regulators push ahead with ‘clean car’ rules, despite GOP opposition. Anjali Bains, senior clean transportation manager, quoted. (MPR News)

2/3/2021 // Gov. Walz announces plan to achieve clean energy in Minnesota by 2040. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder)

2/3/2021 // Minnesota PUC fines Xcel Energy $1M for DER interconnection failures. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Renewable Energy World)

2/1/2021 // Sustainable: Bill hastens net-zero commercial development. Ben Rabe, building performance director, quoted.  (Finance & Commerce)

1/27/2021 // Fresh Energy: Xcel Energy is Fined $1 Million for Solar Interconnection Problems. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Energy Central News)

1/25/2021 // Walz calls for 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2040. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (MPR News)

1/25/2021 // Plan Aims for 100 Percent Clean Energy in Minnesota by 2040. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (Minnesota Ag Connection)

1/21/2021 // Walz, DFL leaders announce plan for 100% carbon-free energy in Minnesota by 2040. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (KSTP-TV)

1/14/2021 // Coal-Fired Power Is Heading for the Exit in Minnesota. Allen Gleckner, lead director of clean electricity, quoted. (Inside Climate News)

1/13/2021 // Green Visions: if you build it … they will give you a place to charge it up. Anjali Bains, senior clean transportation manager, interviewed. (KUMD 103.3FM Duluth)

1/12/2021 // Minnesota Power plans to retire Cohasset coal plant, go carbon-free by 2050. Allen Gleckner, lead director of clean electricity, quoted. (Minnesota Public Radio)

1/11/2021 // Defiant lawmakers, car dealers attack Minnesota plan to adopt zero-emission vehicle mandate. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (Star Tribune)

1/6/2021 // Renewable energy tax credits extend under pandemic stimulus package. Allen Gleckner, lead director of clean electricity, quoted. (Star Tribune)

12/24/2020 // Minnesota regulators approve $750M Xcel wind-power project. Allen Gleckner, senior director of energy markets and regulatory affairs, mentioned. (Star Tribune)

12/21/2020 // Minnesota moves ahead with ‘clean car’ rules. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (St. Peter Herald)

12/18/2020 // Minnesota Pollution Control Agency moves ahead with clean car emission standards. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (Minnesota Reformer)

12/18/2020 // Minnesota moves ahead with ‘clean car’ rules. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (MPR)

12/9/2020 // Executive of the Year: Ben Fowke, Xcel Energy. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (Utility Dive)

12/7/2020 // Pollinator-Friendly Solar Projects Move Forward with New Initiative Led by Encore Renewable Energy and Greenbacker Capital. Rob Davis, director of Center for Pollinators in Energy at Fresh Energy, quoted. (North American Clean Energy)

12/5/2020 // Great River’s power line gives it leverage in any potential sale. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (Star Tribune)

11/28/20 // Pollinator-Friendly Solar Could be a Win-Win for Climate and Landowners, but Greenwashing is a Worry. Rob Davis, director of Center for Pollinators in Energy at Fresh Energy, quoted. (Inside Climate News)

11/27/20 // Project promotes solar power for agriculture. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Daily Democrat)

11/19/20 // PUC backs CenterPoint plan for renewable natural gas system. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, director of beneficial electrification, quoted. (Star Tribune)

1/13/20 // UMN alumni lead change in energy and environmental justice work. Ben Passer, director of energy access and equity and Janiece Watts, senior policy associate, energy access and equity, interviewed. (Minnesota Daily)

11/10/20 // New Report Profiles 63 Zero Energy-Verified Buildings in the Midwest. Fresh Energy mentioned and Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, director of beneficial electrification, quoted. (North American Clean Energy)

11/6/20 // Public power utilities actively work to support pollinators in a variety of ways. Fresh Energy mentioned. (American Public Power Association)

11/3/20 // Fresh Energy: Push for Changes to Coal Plant Operations Continues in Minnesota. (Energy Central News)

10/29/20 // Setting the record straight on Clean Cars Minnesota. Guest column by Anjali Bains, policy associate, beneficial electrification. (Faribault Daily News)

10/27/20 // Red Wing Council supports putting a price on carbon. Anna Johnson, policy and public affairs associate, quoted. (Red Wing Republican Eagle/RiverTown Multimedia)

10/26/20 // Setting the record straight on Clean Cars Minnesota. Community Voices Op Ed by Anjali Bains, policy associate, beneficial electrification. (MinnPost)

10/22/20 // Minnesota groups highlight financial and environmental risks of natural gas. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Energy News Network)

 10/21/20 // The Fight For Racial Justice is Intersectional: A Tale of Three Case Studies. Ben Passer, director of energy access and equity, quoted. (Triple Pundit)

10/20/20 // 10 Things to Know About Businesses’ Role in Addressing Social Justice. Ben Passer, director of energy access and equity, quoted. (Triple Pundit)

9/23/20 // Minn. Cities Recognized for EV Efforts by Recharge MN. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Government Fleet)

9/23/20 // Recharge Minnesota ceremony recognizes efforts in electric vehicle expansion across the state. Fresh Energy mentioned. (KNUJ Radio)

9/22/20 // Solar panels shine a light on bee habitats. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Energy Central)

9/22/20 // Recharge Minnesota ceremony recognizes efforts in electric vehicle expansion across the state. Fresh Energy mentioned. (KEYC News) 

9/21/20 // Performance Artist AY Young – An Emerging Renewable Energy Leader Powered by Music. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)

9/21/20 // Solar panels shine a light on bee habitats. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Northfield News)

9/17/20 // Updated grid maps will offer Minnesota developers more detail on congestion, opportunity. Isabel Ricker, senior policy associate, energy markets, quoted. (Energy News Network)

9/16/20 // Craft Brewing and Distilling News. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Shanken News Daily)

9/15/20 // Minnesota Clean Cars Will Save Money & Cut Pollution, New Study Shows. Fresh Energy mentioned. (CleanTechnia)

9/14/20 // Atlas Introduces Saison to Unite Advocates of Sustainable Farming, Clean Energy & the Environment. Rob Davis, director of Center for Pollinators in Energy at Fresh Energy, quoted. (The Brewer Magazine)

8/24/20 // Utility Aims to Test Electric Mining Trucks. Anjali Bains, senior policy associate, beneficial electrification, quoted. (IMPO Magazine)

8/22/20 // Minnesota Power Seeks To Test Heavy-Duty Electric Mine Trucks In The Iron Range. Anjali Bains, senior policy associate, beneficial electrification, quoted. (WCCO News, CBS Minnesota)

8/22/20 // Minnesota Power aims to test heavy-duty electric mine trucks. Anjali Bains, senior policy associate, beneficial electrification, quoted. (StarTribune)

8/19/20 // Win for clean energy: Minnesota PUC orders Xcel to provide more detail in HCA report. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Solar Builder Magazine)

8/17/20 // Utility looks to test heavy-duty electric trucks in Minnesota’s taconite mines. Anjali Bains, senior policy associate, beneficial electrification, quoted. (Energy News Network)

8/15/20 // Xcel accelerating electric vehicle programs, proposing up to $150M in Minnesota auto rebates. Anjali Bains, senior policy associate, beneficial electrification, quoted. (StarTribune)

8/14/20 // Purdue entomologist, green groups laud solar farm for native ground cover plan. Rob Davis, director of Center for Pollinators in Energy at Fresh Energy quoted. (Indiana Star Press)

8/6/20 // Minnesota will put $3 million of Volkswagen settlement fund in electric school buses. Anjali Bains, senior policy associate, beneficial electrification, quoted. (West Central Tribune)

8/5/20 // Minnesota will put $3 million of Volkswagen settlement fund in electric school buses. Anjali Bains, senior policy associate, beneficial electrification, quoted. (The Worthington Globe)

8/5/20 // Minnesota will put $3 million of Volkswagen settlement fund in electric school buses. Anjali Bains, senior policy associate, beneficial electrification, quoted. (Pine and Lakes Echo Journal of Pequot Lakes)

8/3/20 // Minnesota Power gets 4-month extension for energy plan, study on coal plant future. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Duluth News Tribune)

7/27/20 // Indiana county adopts new solar energy ordinance requiring pollinator-friendly groundcover. Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (Solar Power World)

7/24/20 // A First Look at Xcel’s $3B Clean Energy Proposal. Shared from Fresh Energy’s blog post. (Energy Central)

7/21/20 // How pollinator-friendly will solar farm be? Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (Indiana Star Press)

7/20/20 // Solar installers say they’re waiting too long for Xcel Energy grid connections. Isabel Ricker, senior policy associate, energy markets, quoted. (Energy News Network)

7/8/20 // ‘A magical solution’: Solar developers planting flowers that could help save butterflies and bees. Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (IndyStar)

7/3/20 // Minnesota Power requests extension for energy plan, coal plant study; environmental groups push back. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Duluth News Tribune) 

7/3/20 // Solar Project to Replace Coal Power Plant Begins. Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (Building Indiana Business)

7/2/20 // Plot Brewing To Blanket US In Solar Panels + Pollinator-Friendly Plants. Fresh Energy mentioned. (CleanTechnia)

6/29/20 // Inovateus Solar Commences Construction on Logansport Municipal Utility’s First Solar Project After the City Retired its Over 120-Year-Old Coal Power Plant. Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (North American Clean Energy)

6/26/20 // Solar Farm, Pollinator Habitat To Be Built On Site Of Former Coal Plant. Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (WFYI Public Radio Indianapolis)

6/26/20 // Solar Farm, Pollinator Habitat To Be Built On Site Of Former Coal Plant. Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (Indiana Public Media)

6/26/20 // Solar Farm, Pollinator Habitat To Be Built In Logansport. Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (WBOI Radio)

6/26/20 // Inovateus Solar to build 16-MW, pollinator-friendly solar project for Indiana city. Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (Solar Power World)

6/25/20 // Minnesota files a lawsuit against fossil-fuel companies. Fresh Energy mentioned. (electrek)

6/23/20 // Populating pollinators. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Nursery Management)

6/23/20 // Ryan Cos., Xcel Energy plan large solar array for St. Paul’s Ford site. Jukka Kukkonen, electric vehicle consultant, quoted. (Star Tribune)

6/23/20 // Pollinator Solar Array Provides Dual Benefits. Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (Public News Service)

6/16/20 // Fresh Energy: Making Good Progress on the MISO 50 Gigawatt Gap. Will Kaul, clean energy transmission consultant, mentioned. (Energy Central News)

6/11/20 // What’s it like trying to sell electric vehicles during a pandemic? Jukka Kukkonen, electric vehicle consultant, quoted. (Energy News Network)

6/10/20 // Dual-use solar farms welcome nature back to the land. Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (GreenBiz)

6/5/20 // Morning Brief: Nautilus acquires a Minnesota portfolio, Perdue is pollinator-friendly. Fresh Energy mentioned. (PV Magazine)

 6/4/20 // Perdue Farms Becomes the First Poultry Company in the United States To Create a Pollinator-Friendly Habitat Throughout its Solar Installation. Fresh Energy mentioned. (PRNewswire)

 5/26/20 // Facing coal plant closure, Minnesota provider seeks cleaner path. J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director, quoted. (Energy News Network)

5/15/20 // Minnesota lawmakers poised to pass updated energy conservation law. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Energy News Network)

5/14/20 // Bonding 2020: Backers seek $149 million for transit. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Finance and Commerce)

5/8/20 // Study: Getting people out of poverty and older homes helps cities cut emissions.  Ben Passer, director of energy access and equity, quoted. (Energy News Network)

5/8/20 // Dakotas to see large coal-fired power plant shut its doors. J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director, quoted. (KELO Radio)

5/8/20 // Midwest coal giant announces plant closure. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (E&E News)

5/8/20 // North Dakota’s Largest Coal-Fired Power Plant to Close. J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director, quoted. (Public News Service)

5/7/20 // Great River Energy to drop coal, switch to mostly wind power. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Pioneer Press)

5/7/20 // Minnesota’s Great River Energy closing coal plant, switching to two-thirds wind power. Michael Noble, executive director, interviewed. (Star Tribune)

4/24/20 // In the ‘climate refuge’ city of Duluth, a fight brews over the hometown utility. Allen Gleckner, senior director of energy markets and regulatory affairs, mentioned. (MinnPost)

4/22/20 // Power, plants: Seed mixes and ag innovation for PV solar. Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (Solar Builder Magazine)

4/16/20 // Virus Diverts Energy Legislation Pipeline. Justin Fay, government affairs director, quoted. (Commercial Property Executive) 

4/9/20 // COVID-19 is forcing systems change in energy and transportation. Community Voices Op Ed by Ben Passer, director of energy access and equity. (MinnPost)

4/9/20 // Catch the Buzz – Solar Power Site Saves Bees and Butterflies. Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (Bee Culture)

4/3/20 // Solar Power Site Aims to Save Endangered Bees, Butterflies. Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (Public News Service)

4/1/20 // Climate crisis takes the back burner in global pandemic. Michael Noble, executive director, quoted. (Star Tribune)

3/30/20 // Can this North Dakota co-op prove the potential of carbon capture and storage? Michael Noble, executive director, mentioned. (Energy News Network)

3/27/20 // How COVID-19 is impacting 5 state energy legislation efforts. Justin Fay, government affairs director, quoted. (UtilityDive)

3/16/20 // Minnesota clean energy legislation has one more obstacle this year with coronavirus. Justin Fay, government affairs director, quoted. (Star Tribune)

3/12/20 // Expert in climate and energy policy to speak at National Audubon Society Event. J. Drake Hamilton mentioned. (Isanti-Chisago County Star)

3/11/20 // Waz fills vacancy on state Public Utilities Commission. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Pioneer Press)

3/10/20 // Walz taps energy official for PUC vacancy. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Rochester Post Bulletin)

3/9/20 // Making the most of a postponed tradeshow. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Morning Ag Clips)

3/6/20 // Why CenterPoint Energy is pushing to test ‘renewable’ natural gas. And why some environmental groups are so skeptical of it. Fresh Energy mentioned. (MinnPost)

3/3/20 // Sun Tribe installs Virginia’s first gold-certified pollinator-friendly solar project. Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (Solar Power World)

2/29/20 // Plans to retire coal plants in Minnesota could rely on extending nuclear power. Allen Gleckner, senior director of energy markets and regulatory affairs, quoted. (Star Tribune)

2/19/20 // Coal play: How lawmakers want to encourage seasonally cutting coal use in Minnesota. Isabel Ricker, senior policy associate, energy markets, quoted. (MinnPost)

2/18/20 // The WCCO Morning News with Dave Lee. J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director, interviewed at approsiately 8:21 time stamp. (WCCO Radio)

2/13/20 // Rep. Stephenson talks climate change at town hall. J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director, quoted. (Champlin Press & News)

2/13/20 // MCE becomes first CAA to require pollinator-friendly solar projects. Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (Solar Power World)

2/10/20 // Last gasp of coal: Plants running when cheaper, cleaner energy available. Isabel Ricker, senior policy associate, energy markets, interviewed. (FOX 9)

2/6/20 // Uber and Lyft should electrify their fleets – before cities make them do it anyway. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Fast Company)

2/5/20 // Rep. Zach Stephenson talks climate change in Champlin. J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director, quoted. (Champlin Press & News)

2/5/20 // Southern Minnesota power generator commits to being 80% carbon-free by 2030. J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director, quoted. (Star Tribune)

2/1/20 // The Nature of the Bee: With pollinator-friendly solar, bees are free to be. Fresh Energy mentioned and Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, interviewed. (Electrical Contractor Magazine)

1/25/20 // ‘Solar honey’ emerging as a win-win for clean-energy proponents, beekeepers, and farm owners. Fresh Energy mentioned and Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (Star Tribune)

1/18/20 // Coal plants may get reduced role at Xcel Energy. Allen Gleckner, senior director of energy markets and regulatory affairs, quoted. (Star Tribune)

1/17/20 // St. Paul considers requiring owners of large buildings to monitor their energy, water use. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Pioneer Press)

1/16/20 // Transmission hamstrings push for 100% clean electricity. Allen Gleckner, senior director of energy markets and regulatory affairs, quoted. (E&E News)

1/14/20 // Many utilities have a ‘must-run’ policy. One broke the rule. Allen Gleckner, senior director of energy markets and regulatory affairs, quoted. (E&E News)

1/11/20 // Xcel plan to idle coal plants could save millions, slash carbon emissions; could Wisconsin Utilities do the same? Allen Gleckner, senior director of energy markets and regulatory affairs, quoted. (Wisconsin State Journal)

1/8/20 // Electric vehicle chargers are scarce in Twin Cities apartment and condo buildings. That may be starting to change. Jukka Kukkonen, electric vehicle consultant, quoted. (MinnPost)

1/8/20 // Xcel Minnesota: Running coal seasonally will save customers millions, reduce emissions. Allen Gleckner, senior director of energy markets and regulatory affairs, quoted. (UtilityDive) 

12/18/19 // Minnesota solar installers expect new standard to streamline interconnection. Fresh Energy mentioned and Isabel Ricker, senior policy associate, quoted. (Energy News Network) 

12/12/19 // Renewables ‘hit a wall’ in saturated Upper Midwest grid. Fresh Energy mentioned and Allen Gleckner, senior director of energy markets and regulatory affairs, quoted. (E&E News)

12/11/19 // Grassroots climate groups emerging. Fresh Energy mentioned. (White Bear Press)

12/10/19 // Solar with Justice. Fresh Energy contributed and Ben Passer, director of energy access and equity, featured. (Clean Energy States Alliance)

12/4/19 // Pros of clean, renewable include economics. Fresh Energy mentioned and J. Drake Hamilton, Fresh Energy’s science policy director, featured and quoted. (Star News: Elk River, Otsego, Zimmerman)

11/22/19 // Minnesota gears up for tougher emission standards for vehicles. Jukka Kukkonen, electric vehicle consultant, quoted. (Pioneer Press)

11/22/19 // What the Volkswagen settlement says about the difficulty of cutting transportation emissions in Minnesota. Andrew Twite, senior policy associate, energy markets, quoted. (MinnPost)

11/21/19 // Minnesota ‘value of solar’ compromise likely to boost community solar payments. Fresh Energy mentioned and Isabel Ricker, senior policy associate, quoted. (Energy News Network)

11/20/19 // Homegrown climate solutions for clean energy economy. Fresh Energy mentioned and J. Drake Hamilton, Fresh Energy’s science policy director, cited. (White Bear Press)

11/20/19 // Electric car advocates turn out to support  Minnesota clean car proposal. Fresh Energy mentioned and Janiece Watts, policy associate for energy access and equity, quoted. (Energy News Network)

11/01/19 // Tim Walz wants Minnesota to have more electric cars. Do consumers really lack buying options? Fresh Energy mentioned and Jukka Kukkonen, electric vehicle consultant, quoted. (MinnPost)

10/23/19 // Clif Bar sets new green energy standard with pollinator-friendly solar farm. Fresh Energy mentioned and Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (BakeryAndSnacks.com)

10/22/19 // Sherburne County may require solar farms to be pollinator friendly. Fresh Energy mentioned and Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (Rochester Post Bulletin)

10/17/19 // Groups dispute cost of renewable energies. Fresh Energy mentioned and J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director, quoted. (St. Cloud Times)

10/16/19 // Minnesota AG: Climate Liability Recalls Fight Against Tobacco Industry. Fresh Energy mentioned and J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director, quoted. (Climate Liability News)

10/11/19 // Climate curious: What is THE most important thing a person can do to fight climate change? Fresh Energy mentioned. (MPR News)

10/9/19 // National Renewable Energy Lab studies plants in Twin Falls solar field. Fresh Energy mentioned and Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (Boise State Public Radio)

10/1/19 // Renewable gas or electrification? Minnesota’s high stakes experiment on building decarbonization. Fresh Energy mentioned and Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, director of beneficial electrification, quoted. (Utility Dive)

9/30/19 // Clean-energy nonprofits supported Xcel Energy’s bid to buy a gas plant. Here’s why Minnesota regulators denied them. Fresh Energy and Allen Gleckner, senior director of energy markets and regulatory affairs, mentioned. (MinnPost)

9/30/19 // Solar panels pair surprisingly well with tomatoes, peppers and pollinators. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Mother Nature Network)

9/29/19 // Sherburne County may require solar farms to be pollinator-friendly. Fresh Energy mentioned and Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (MPR News)

9/24/19 // Oddball grain made into limited release beer built to save the planet. Fresh Energy and Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, mentioned. (Eater Twin Cities)

9/23/19 // Struggling farmers see bright spot in solar. Fresh Energy mentioned and Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (Wall Street Journal)

9/20/19 // Net-zero home highlights builders’ growing interest in energy efficiency. Fresh Energy mentioned and Ben Rabe, director of built environment, quoted. (Energy News Network)

9/18/19 // Flower power: Clif Bar bee-ing green with new solar farm. Fresh Energy mentioned and Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, quoted. (Twin Falls Times-News)

9/17/19 // Events promote electric cars and clean energy. Fresh Energy mentioned and Jukka Kukkonen, electric vehicle consultant, quoted. (KEYC Mankato)

9/12/19 // Talk of the town: Bee(r) buzz. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Barre Montpelier Times Argus)

9/9/19 // Xcel Energy seeks changes as ‘value of solar’ rate spike looms in Minnesota. Fresh Energy mentioned and Isabel Ricker, senior policy associate, quoted. (Energy News Network)

8/29/19 // Minneapolis needs to make drastic cuts to natural gas emissions, officials say. Fresh Energy mentioned and Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, director of beneficial electrification, quoted. (Star Tribune)

8/21/19 // How is Minnesota allocating its $47 million from the Volkswagen settlement? Fresh Energy mentioned and Andrew Twite, senior policy associate, quoted. (MinnPost)

8/21/19 // Utility group to study Midwest carbon goals. Fresh Energy mentioned and Allen Gleckner, senior director of regulatory affairs and energy markets, quoted. (E&E News)

8/20/19 // PSC gives preliminary OK for transmission line project. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Wisconsin Business)

8/20/19 // Xcel needs a push to improve its grid transparency tools. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Utility Dive)

8/15/19 // State agencies object to Xcel Energy, Southern Power deal. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Power Magazine)

8/8/19 // Crossed wires: Wisconsin transmission proposal sparks debate over best path to 100% clean energy. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Utility Dive)

8/7/19 // Denison boasts 1st of kind pollinator-friendly solar array. Director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, Rob Davis, quoted and Fresh Energy mentioned. (Newark Advocate)

8/3/19 // Solar and pollinators: a photo essay. Article written by director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, Rob Davis. (PV Magazine)

8/2/19 // Clean energy conference shifts focus from academics to climate advocacy. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Energy News Network)

8/1/19 // Paul & Jordana Show: J. Drake Hamilton. Science Policy Director, J. Drake Hamilton, interviewed by meteorologist, Paul Douglas. (WCCO Radio)

7/27/19 // Ohio college features pollinator habitat within solar array. Director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, Rob Davis, quoted and Fresh Energy mentioned. (Houston Chronicle)

7/26/19 // CenterPoint Energy’s renewable natural gas plan gets voted down. Fresh Energy senior policy associate, Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, quoted. (Star Tribune)

7/21/19 // A field in D.C. will soon be home to 5,000 solar panels. It’s all because of local Catholic groups — and a message from the pope. Director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, Rob Davis, quoted and Fresh Energy mentioned. (Washington Post)

7/20/19 // Lines can deliver clean energy now. Opinion-editorial written by Allen Gleckner, senior director of regulatory affairs and energy markets. (Wisconsin State Journal)

7/16/19 // Pollinator-friendly solar habitat first of its kind in Ohio. Center for Pollinators in Energy mentioned. (Denison)

7/15/19 // Symposium to focus on climate change in Minnesota. Science Policy Director, J. Drake Hamilton, mentioned. (Mankato Free Press)

7/14/19 // Business people of note. Series of staff promotions and new hires announced, including Mat Larson Krisetya, Marta Cardoza, Jillian Theuer, Allen Gleckner, and Sarah Clark. (Pioneer Press)

7/12/19 // Program highlights unveiled for SOLAR 2019. Executive director, Michael Noble, and science policy director, J. Drake Hamilton, mentioned. (New Kerala)

7/11/19 // Will renewable natural gas credits help jumpstart new market for biogas? Fresh Energy senior policy associate, Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, quoted. (Energy News Network)

7/10/19 // IGS Solar installing 2-MW solar project for DC Catholic charity. Director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, Rob Davis, quoted. (Solar Power World)

7/10/19 // Catholic Charities teams with Ohio firm to build one of D.C.’s largest solar arrays. Director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, Rob Davis, quoted. (Washington Business Journal)

7/10/19 // Catholic Energies, IGS Solar, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington to build huge solar project in Washington DC. Director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, Rob Davis, quoted. (Yahoo! Finance)

7/9/19 // National Conference in Minneapolis to Highlight Solutions to the Climate Crisis “Race to Renewables” Science Policy Director, J. Drake Hamilton, mentioned. (PR Newswire)

6/29/19 // Replacing Xcel coal power units includes an efficiency push. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Star Tribune)

6/27/19 // Replacing Xcel coal power units includes an efficiency push. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Electric Light and Power)

6/27/19 // Replacing Minnesota coal plants includes an efficiency push. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Austin Daily Herald)

6/25/19 // St. Paul joins Minnesota cities planning for action on climate change.  Fresh Energy mentioned director of energy access and equity, Ben Passer, quoted. (Minn Post).

6/24/19 // On clean energy, ‘just say no’ is turning into a political no-no. Fresh Energy mentioned and executive director, Michael Noble, quoted. (Star Tribune)

6/24/19 // Deal to close Minnesota coal plants includes ‘historic’ efficiency push. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Energy News Network)

6/22/19 // Bees, Butterflies, & Solar panels learn to share the land in Minnesota. Fresh Energy mentioned and director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, Rob Davis, quoted. (Clean Technica)

6/20/19 // Pollinator-friendly solar energy becomes the norm in Minnesota. Fresh Energy mentioned and director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, Rob Davis, quoted. (MPR News)

6/17/19 // Populating pollinators. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Greenhouse Management)

6/7/19 // Cardinal-Hickory Creek is fundamental to fighting climate change. Opinion editorial written by senior director of energy markets, Allen Gleckner. (The Cap Times)

6/4/19 // St. Paul climate plan looks past clean power to challenge of transportation. Fresh Energy mentioned and director of energy access and equity, Ben Passer, quoted. (Energy News Network)

6/3/19 // Making the grid smarter. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Solar Novus)

6/3/19 // Michigan opens 3.3M farmland acres to bee-friendly solar projects. Fresh Energy mentioned and director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, Rob Davis, quoted. (Utility Dive)

5/24/19 // More Minnesota nonprofits raise a glass … and cash. Fresh Energy mentioned and director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, Rob Davis, quoted. (Star Tribune)

5/24/19 // Climate Justice: For the People, the Land, the Planet Fresh Energy mentioned and director of energy access and equity, Ben Passer, quoted. (The Humanist)

5/24/19 // Energy measures go nowhere in Minnesota legislative session. Fresh Energy director of government affairs, Justin Fay, quoted. (Star Tribune)

5/22/19 // This is the Beer’s Knees: How 56 Brewing’s Solarama Crush includes the sun as a key ingredient. Fresh Energy mentioned and director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, Rob Davis, quoted. (Craft Brewing Business)

5/21/19 // Xcel’s new plan: Coal-free by 2030, nuclear until 2040. Fresh Energy mentioned and senior director of energy markets, Allen Gleckner, quoted (Winona Daily News)

5/21/19 // Xcel Energy commits to coal retirements, clean energy. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Solar Industry)

5/21/19 // Xcel Energy plans to end coal use in Upper Midwest by 2030. Fresh Energy mentioned. (The Brookings Register)

5/21/19 // Drinking Buddies: How to pair a beer with your next solar farm (and why). Fresh Energy mentioned and director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, Rob Davis, quoted. (Solar Builder)

5/20/19 // Sherco’s third coal plant to close by 2030; some worry about transition. Fresh Energy mentioned and executive director, Michael Noble, quoted. (Saint Cloud Times)

5/20/19 // Xcel to retire coal plants early. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Finance & Commerce)

5/20/19 // Xcel to close two coal plants, add 3 GW solar in settlement to acquire Mankato gas plant. Fresh Energy mentioned and senior director of energy markets, Allen Gleckner, quoted. (Utility Dive)

5/20/19 // Xcel’s plan to 2030: close two coal plants, extend nuclear plant, add more solar. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Star Tribune)

5/20/19 // Xcel’s new plan: Coal-free by 2030, nuclear until 2040. Fresh Energy mentioned and senior director of energy markets, Allen Gleckner, quoted. (Wisconsin Public Radio)

5/20/19 // Xcel Energy to end burning coal for power in South Dakota, other upper Midwest states, by 2030. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Sioux Falls Argus Leader)

5/20/19 // Xcel Energy plans to end coal use in Upper Midwest by 2030. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Star Tribune)

5/20/19 // Xcel’s new plan: Coal-free by 2030, nuclear until 2040. Fresh Energy mentioned and senior director of energy markets, Allen Gleckner, quoted. (Minnesota Public Radio)

5/19/19 // Will your next car be a plug-in? Fresh Energy senior policy associate, Andrew Twite, and electric vehicle consultant, Jukka Kukkonen, both quoted and Fresh Energy mentioned. (Star Tribune)

5/16/19 // Energy access and justice for all. Full-length feature piece on our Energy Access and Equity team members, Ben Passer, director, and Janiece Watts, policy associate. (Pollen Midwest)

5/16/19 // 5 state battles to watch. Fresh Energy director of government affairs, Justin Fay, mentioned. (E&E News)

5/15/19 // Google’s $600 million data center project in Becker clears big hurdle. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Star Tribune)

5/9/19 // We need to clean up our electricity supply. Opinion editorial written by Fresh Energy’s executive director Michael Noble. (Star Tribune)

5/9/19 // Shortsighted. Opinion editorial written by Fresh Energy’s senior director of regulatory affairs and energy markets, Allen Gleckner. (The Isthmus)

5/7/19 // Can pollinator-friendly solar energy work for bees and farms? Fresh Energy mentioned and director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, Rob Davis, quoted. (Food Print)

5/5/19 // Environmental groups divided on Cardinal-Hickory Creek Line Fresh Energy mentioned. (RTO Insider)

5/3/19 // New at 56 Brewing: The sustainably brewed Solarama Crush Fresh Energy mentioned. (Minnesota Monthly)

4/30/19 // Is ‘global warming’ the right term to use? Fresh Energy mentioned and executive director, Michael Noble, quoted. (Mother Nature Network)

4/29/19 // Clean energy groups throw weight behind Wisconsin transmission line Fresh Energy mentioned and senior director of energy markets, Allen Gleckner, quoted. (North American Windpower)

4/19/19 // Earthfest: Buildings boost energy savings Fresh Energy and senior communications and engagement associate, Caley Long, mentioned. (Post Bulletin)

4/10/19 // Local Suds: 5 Minnesota beers to drink in April Fresh Energy mentioned. (City Pages)

4/6/19 // An energy efficiency program for cost-burdened renters. Fresh Energy policy associate, Janiece Watts, quoted and Fresh Energy mentioned. (Southwest Journal)

4/3/19 // St. Paul City Council gets an earful on requests to add single-family homes, parking at Ford site. Fresh Energy senior policy associate, Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, quoted. (Pioneer Press)

4/2/19 // Solar farms, honey and beer? Yale event spotlights connection. Fresh Energy and the director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, Rob Davis, mentioned. (New Haven Biz)

3/28/19 // The Energy Gang podcast discusses Xcel Energy’s carbon-free announcement and Fresh Energy’s senior director of energy markets, Allen Gleckner, mentioned. (Green Tech Media)

3/21/19 // ‘If You Build It, They Will Come’: Saving Pollinator Habitat With Solar Power’s Help. Fresh Energy and the director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, Rob Davis, mentioned. (NPR Illinois)

3/21/19 // 56 Brewing releases the tasty-looking Solarama Crush. Fresh Energy mentioned. (The Minneapolis Egotist)

3/20/19 // Bee-Friendly Solar is a Win-Win-Win for People, Planet and Pollinators. Fresh Energy and the Center for Pollinators in Energy mentioned. (Organic Valley)

3/19/19 // Twin Cities Live host chat: Steve and Elizabeth try Minnesota’s first “solar beer” – brewed with solar power. Fresh Energy mentioned. (KSTP, Twin Cities Live)

3/18/19 // 56 Brewing and Fresh Energy release Solarama Crush IPA. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Brewbound)

3/05/19 // Sustainable: Reducing carbon by electrifying everything Fresh Energy mentioned and executive director, Michael Noble, quoted. (Finance and Commerce)

3/05/19 // Minnesota seeks 100 percent clean energy by 2050 Fresh Energy mentioned and executive director, Michael Noble, quoted.  (Power Engineering)

3/05/19 // Minnesota’s Energy Goal: 100% Clean by 2050. Fresh Energy mentioned and executive director, Michael Noble, quoted.  (Governing)

3/05/19 // Minnesota 100% carbon-free bill joins flurry of state level clean energy action. Fresh Energy mentioned and executive director, Michael Noble, quoted.  (Utility Dive)

3/04/19 // Walz sets goal: 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2050. Fresh Energy mentioned and executive director, Michael Noble, quoted.  (Sacramento Bee)

3/04/19 // Walz aims for 100 percent clean energy in Minnesota by 2050. Fresh Energy mentioned and executive director, Michael Noble, quoted.  (Star Tribune)

3/04/19 //  Walz sets goal: 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2050. Fresh Energy mentioned and executive director, Michael Noble, quoted.  (Tacoma News Tribune)

3/04/19 // Gov. Tim Walz aims for 100 percent clean energy in Minnesota by 2050. Fresh Energy mentioned and executive director, Michael Noble, quoted.  (Herald Media News)

3/04/19 // Walz sets goal: 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2050. Fresh Energy mentioned and executive director, Michael Noble, quoted.  (KIMT3 News)

3/04/19 // Minnesota seeks 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2050. Fresh Energy mentioned and executive director, Michael Noble, quoted.  (Star Tribune)

3/04/19 // Walz sets goal: 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2050. Fresh Energy mentioned and executive director, Michael Noble, quoted.  (Canadian National Post)

2/25/19 // Wind energy, tax breaks sought to bring Google to Minnesota. Fresh Energy mentioned and Director of Energy Markets, Allen Gleckner, quoted.  (Fairbault Daily News)

2/25/19 // Wind energy, tax breaks sought to bring Google to Becker, Minn. Fresh Energy mentioned and Director of Energy Markets, Allen Gleckner, quoted.  (Minnesota Public Radio)

2/15/19 // Environment groups protest Dairyland natural gas project in Superior. Fresh Energy mentioned.  (La Crosse Tribune)

2/14/19 // With petition, environmental groups continuing to fight proposed natural gas plant. Fresh Energy mentioned.  (Duluth News Tribune)

2/13/19 // Why electric vehicles are great winter cars. Fresh Energy’s electric vehicle consultant, Jukka Kukkonen’s piece.  (Clean Technica)

2/1/19 // Another polar vortex, another debate about coal. Fresh Energy science policy director, J. Drake Hamilton, quoted.  (E&E News – paywall)

1/30/19 // Minnesota utility wants to offer customers renewable natural gas option. Fresh Energy senior policy associate Margaret Cherne-Hendrick quoted.  (Energy News Network)

1/28/19 // When harrow met solar: U.S. land-use competition heats up. Fresh Energy’s director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy, Rob Davis, quoted.  (Thomson Reuters Foundation)

1/24/19 // Experts see bright future for solar, electric cars. Fresh Energy’s electric vehicle consultant Jukka Kokkonen quoted.  (Finance and Commerce)

1/23/19 // In the Midwest, technology not a replacement for transmission lines. Fresh Energy’s energy markets director Allen Gleckner quoted.  (Energy News Network)

1/22/19 // In Wisconsin, many oppose transmission line to bring western wind power. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Energy News Network)

1/16/19 // U scientists: Minnesota is one of the nation’s fastest-warming states. Fresh Energy’s science policy director, J. Drake Hamilton quoted. (Star Tribune)

1/8/19 // Tailpipe emissions policy to focus on EVs, renewables. Fresh Energy’s science policy director, J. Drake Hamilton quoted. (E&E News – paywall)

1/7/19 // Hortman brings experience, quiet irreverence to speaker’s chair. Fresh Energy’s executive director, Michael Noble quoted. (Minnesota Public Radio)

1/5/19 // Progress on greenhouse gas emissions but not quite what Minnesota hoped. Fresh Energy’s science policy director, J. Drake Hamilton quoted.  (Star Tribune)

12/28/18 // Solar Fields of Green: Researchers Find Symbiosis at the Food-Water-Energy Nexus. Fresh Energy’s director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy Rob Davis quoted.  (Solar Magazine)

12/27/18 // Complicated economics of community solar gardens subject of debate. Fresh Energy’s energy markets director Allen Gleckner quoted.  (Star Tribune)

12/27/18 // Minnesota set to see second consecutive year of strong solar energy growth. Fresh Energy’s energy markets director Allen Gleckner quoted.  (Star Tribune)

12/15/18 // Regulators press utilities to prepare for more electric vehicles in Minnesota. Fresh Energy’s  senior policy associate, Andrew Twite quoted.  (Austin Daily Herald)

12/14/18 // Minn. PUC outlines next steps to help accelerate EV growth. Fresh Energy’s senior policy associate, Andrew Twite quoted. (E&E News – paywall)

12/14/18 // Regulators press utilities to prepare for more electric vehicles in Minnesota. Fresh Energy’s senior policy associate, Andrew Twite quoted.  (Northfield News)

12/13/18 // Minnesota regulators press utilities to prepare for more electric vehicles in Minnesota. Fresh Energy’s  senior policy associate, Andrew Twite quoted.  (Minnesota Public Radio)

12/12/18 // Minneapolis to introduce 125 electric buses over next four years while phasing out diesel. Fresh Energy’s  energy access and equity policy associate, Janiece Watts quoted.  (Compelo)

12/12/18 // Minnesota undermines White House at UN climate talks. Fresh Energy’s science policy director, J. Drake Hamilton, interviewed.  (Minnesota Public Radio)

12/11/18 // Metro Transit plans to shift bus fleet to all-electric. Fresh Energy’s  energy access and equity policy associate, Janiece Watts quoted.  (Star Tribune)

12/09/18 // Xcel’s pledge to be carbon-free by 2050 makes good business sense. Fresh Energy’s executive director Michael Noble quoted  (Star Tribune)

12/09/18 // Circumstances thrust a critical issue on the governor-elect. Fresh Energy’s executive director Michael Noble quoted and Fresh Energy mentioned. (Star Tribune)

12/06/18 // Xcel sets new bar in clean energy efforts. Fresh Energy’s executive director Michael Noble quoted. (E&E News – paywall)

12/05/18 // Xcel Energy Commits To Eliminating All Carbon Emissions. Fresh Energy’s executive director Michael Noble interviewed. (WCCO-CBS)

11/29/18 // Cook County Local Energy Project brings sustainable energy home. Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton and Fresh Energy mentioned. (Business North)

11/28/18 // The economics of the new climate report. Fresh Energy’s board member Raj Rajan interviewed. (Minnesota Public Radio)

11/24/18 // DFL election wins could mean pressure on state’s renewable-energy goals. Fresh Energy’s senior policy associate Andrew Twite quoted. (Star Tribune)

11/14/18 // In Minn., a GOP climate booster is out. Green Dems are in. Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton quoted. (E&E News)

11/14/18 // St. Paul, Minnesota, takes a gradual approach on tracking buildings’ energy use. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Energy News Network)

11/8/18 // How climate change fared during the midterms in Minnesota and beyond. Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton interviewed. (Minnesota Public Radio)

11/8/18 // Minnesota coalition aims to push electric vehicles ‘over the finish line’. Fresh Energy’s senior policy associate Andrew Twite quoted. (Energy News Network)

10/29/18 // Minnesota PUC approves 550 MW gas plant despite renewables push. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Utility Dive)

10/29/18 // California Has a Posse in Tug-of-War With Trump Over Electric Cars. Fresh Energy’s executive director Michael Noble quoted. (Bloomberg)

10/25/18 // N.D. coal plant draws scrutiny as part of Minnesota utility’s resource plan. Fresh Energy’s energy markets director Allen Gleckner quoted and Fresh Energy mentioned. (Energy News Network)

10/24/18 // Why we’re suing the state of Minnesota over the Environmental Trust Fund. Fresh Energy’s executive director Michael Noble’s opinion editorial. (MinnPost)

10/24/18 // A Solar-Cider-Honeybee Complex Grows in Minnesota. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Engineering 360)

10/23/18 // Minnesota’s Integrated Distribution Plan: The Midwest Model for Grid Edge Integration? Fresh Energy’s energy markets director Allen Gleckner, quoted and Fresh Energy mentioned. (Green Tech Media Squared)

10/23/18 // Cheers! Solar farm cider powers up. Fresh Energy’s director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy Rob Davis quoted and Fresh Energy mentioned. (Tree Hugger)

10/23/18 // Minnesota county studies path to downsize, electrify vehicle fleet Fresh Energy mentioned. (Energy News Network)

10/22/18 // Pollinator-Friendly Community Solar Farm. Fresh Energy’s director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy Rob Davis quoted and Fresh Energy mentioned. (Solar Novus Today)

10/22/18 // Audubon Minnesota applauds Xcel Energy for requiring solar proposals to disclose vegetation details. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Solar Power World)

10/19/18 // Minnesota knows the way to cut carbon — now we need the will. Fresh Energy mentioned. (MinnPost)

10/19/18 // New ‘solar cider’ creates a buzz. Fresh Energy’s director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy Rob Davis quoted and Fresh Energy mentioned. (The Newsleaders)

10/17/18 // Customers, clean energy groups unite against Minnesota natural gas plant. Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton quoted. (Energy News Network)

10/15/18 // Xcel proposal would support 70 new public charging stations for electric vehicles. Fresh Energy’s senior policy associate Andrew Twite quoted. (Star Tribune)

10/12/18 // While climate change danger looms, Minnesota is on right track. Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton quoted. (Saint Cloud Times)

10/12/18 // In bid to help bees, Xcel to require vegetation disclosure in solar RFPs. Fresh Energy’s director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy Rob Davis quoted. (Utility Dive)

10/10/18 // Massachusetts gas explosions draw scrutiny of natural gas safety and climate risks. Fresh Energy senior policy associate Margaret Cherne-Hendrick quoted. (DeSmogBlog)

10/9/18 // Creating new habitat for threatened birds. Fresh Energy mentioned and Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy quoted. (Public News Service)

10/4/18 // Caldera Brewing introduces Let’s Bee Friends IPA. Fresh Energy mentioned and Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy quoted. (The Full Pint)

10/4/18 // Groups sue over Minnesota environmental trust fund spending. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Grand Forks Herald)

10/4/18 // October 4 event celebrates Chisago County as the solar capital of Minnesota. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Country Messenger)

10/4/18 // Twin Cities transit agency pumps the brakes on diesel, hybrid bus order. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Energy News Network)

9/29/18 // Study: Social cost of carbon emissions much higher than what U.S. is using. Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton quoted. (Minnesota Public Radio)

9/21/18 // Hurricanes boost interest in residential storage Energy Gang podcast mentioned Energy News Network, its director Ken Paulman, executive director Michael Noble, and the Midwest Energy News’ 40 under 40 celebration. (Greentech Media)

9/21/18 // Remembering the forgotten solutions Fresh Energy’s director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy Rob Davis mentioned. (GreenBiz)

9/20/18 // Report: EV adoption could eventually save Minnesotans billions. Fresh Energy senior policy associate Andrew Twite quoted. (Energy News Network)

8/29/18 // Case study: Eagle Point solar farm sets precedent for solar apiaries in the United States. Fresh Energy’s director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy Rob Davis quoted. (Utility Dive)

8/27/18 // Centerpoint reveals renewable natural gas program for Minnesota customers. Fresh Energy senior policy associate Margaret Cherne-Hendrick quoted. (Utility Dive)

8/27/18 // Pollinator habitats: The bees’ knees of rural solar development. Fresh Energy’s director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy Rob Davis quoted. (Utility Dive)

8/23/18 // CenterPoint unveils pilot program for ‘renewable natural gas. Fresh Energy senior policy associate Margaret Cherne-Hendrick quoted. (Star Tribune)

8/22/18 // The Paul and Jordana Show. Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton interviewed on the rollback of the Clean Power Plan. (WCCO Radio 830 AM)

7/26/18 // Catching the buzz—Nation’s largest solar bee farm in Oregon Creating Buzz. Fresh Energy’s director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy Rob Davis quoted. (Bee Culture)

Summer 2018 // Pollinator-Friendly Solar Farms Provide Many Benefits. Fresh Energy’s director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy Rob Davis quoted. (The Maine Organic Farmer and Gardener)

7/13/18 // Midwest plant proposals face new hurdle — cheap alternatives. Fresh Energy’s director of energy markets Allen Gleckner quoted. (E&E News)

7/9/18 // Q&A: Midwest partnership pushing to expand EV infrastructure in region. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Energy News Network)

7/5/18 // ALJ recommends against new natgas plant for Minnesota Power. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Kallanish Energy)

7/5/18 // Nation’s Largest Solar Bee Farm in Ore. Creating Buzz. Fresh Energy’s director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy Rob Davis quoted. (Public News Service)

7/3/18 // What’s the future for the Midwest in a post-mandate world? Fresh Energy’s director of public affairs Matt Privratsky quoted. (E&E News)

7/3/18 // Administrative law judge recommends against a new natural gas plant for Minnesota Power. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Star Tribune)

7/2/18 // Proposed natural gas plant in Superior dealt setback in Minnesota. Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton quoted. (Minnesota Public Radio)

7/1/18 // From city halls to corporate offices, more Minnesotans skip out of work early for ‘Summer Fridays.’ Fresh Energy’s chief operations and finance officer Ellen Palmer quoted. (Star Tribune)

6/27/18 // Oregon ‘solar apiary’ combines energy production with honey. Fresh Energy mentioned. (TreeHugger)

6/26/18 // Minnesota delays decision on residential energy code update. Fresh Energy’s senior policy associate in buildings Ben Rabe quoted. (Energy News Network)

6/25/18 // This new solar farm combines clean energy and beehives. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Fast Company)

6/23/18 // More cities across Minnesota are turning to renewable sources of energy. Fresh Energy’s director of public affairs Matt Privratsky quoted. (Star Tribune)

6/21/18 // Forget the Duck Curve. Renewables Integration in the Midwest Is a Whole Other Animal. Written by Fresh Energy’s senior policy associate in energy markets Andrew Twite. (Greentech Media)

6/17/18 // Closing arguments for and against Line 3. Fresh Energy’s senior policy associate in energy markets Andrew Twite quoted. (InForum)

6/15/18 // Pine Gate Renewables, Old Sol Apiaries create largest solar farm apiary in America. Fresh Energy’s director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy Rob Davis quoted. (Solar Power World)

6/14/18 // In Minnesota, connecting solar projects to grid is about to get easier. Fresh Energy’s senior policy associate in energy markets Laura Hannah quoted. (Energy News Network)

6/6/18 // Solar Farms Produce Power—and Food. Fresh Energy’s director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy Rob Davis quoted. (Scientific American)

5/31/18 // New Minnesota rules make connecting clean energy to the grid easier. Fresh Energy’s senior policy associate in energy markets Laura Hannah quoted. (Solar Power World)

5/25/18 // Minnesota overhauls interconnection standards to streamline clean energy. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Utility Dive)

5/24/18 // Minnesota’s renewable energy revolution. Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton interviewed. (Minnesota Public Radio)

5.21.18 // Nuclear cost oversight of Xcel stays in place after Minnesota House kills bill to change it. Fresh Energy’s director of public affairs Matt Privratsky quoted. (Star Tribune)

5.21.18 // Energy-efficient light bulbs harder to find, more expensive in high-poverty neighborhoods. Fresh Energy’s policy research fellow Jen Fuller quoted. (Greentech Media)

5.17.18 // Cogeneration advocates take aim at Midwest utility standby charges. Fresh Energy’s energy performance director Will Nissen quoted. (Energy News Network)

4.23.18 // Solving Sustainability. Fresh Energy’s chief program advancement officer Sarah Clark profiled. (Macalester Today)

4.24.18 // Performance-based regulation: How Minnesota is inching toward a new oversight model. Fresh Energy’s director of energy markets Allen Gleckner quoted. (Utility Dive)

4.12.18 // Xcel rolling out pilot program for charging of electric vehicles at home. Fresh Energy’s senior policy associate in energy markets Andrew Twite quoted. (Star Tribune)

4.3.18 // Sustainable: Mcknight aims funding at climate change. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Finance and Commerce)

4.1.18 // Earth Rx: Climate solutions for a changing planet. Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton interviewed. (Minnesota Public Radio)

3.27.18 // Are utilities co-opting community solar? Critics question term’s use. Fresh Energy’s policy fellow Jen Fuller interviewed. (Energy News Network)

3.24.18 // Off the menu with Dara. Fresh Energy’s director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy Rob Davis interviewed. (WCCO)

3.23.18 // Groups warn bill at Minnesota Legislature gives Xcel too much latitude on nuclear. Fresh Energy’s executive director Michael Noble quoted. (Minnesota News Network)

3.14.18 // Xcel seeking new way to charge for nuclear energy costs. Fresh Energy’s executive director Michael Noble quoted. (Star Tribune)

3.9.18 // Entire 53-acre site in northeast Kearney seeded with plants for pollinators. Fresh Energy’s director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy Rob Davis mentioned. (Kearney Hub)

2.26.18 // Team of rivals: Utilities, enviros unite to push electric vehicles. Fresh Energy’s senior policy associate in energy markets Andrew Twite quoted. (Utility Dive)

2.26.18 // Local view: Spar over natural gas plant winding up: Push renewables over facility proposed for Superior. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Duluth News Tribune)

2.9.18 // Pollinator-friendly solar practices can benefit farmers: Valley Views. Fresh Energy’s director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy Rob Davis mentioned. (Poughkeepsie Journal)

1.27.18 // Community solar innovation in  Minnesota despite Trump. Guest piece by Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton. (PV Europe)

1.22.18 // Putting the ‘farm’ back in solar farm: Study to test ag potential at PV sites. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Midwest Energy News)

1.22.18 // 88% of Minnesota’s community solar participants are saving money. Fresh Energy mentioned. (PV Magazine)

1.19.18 // Xcel Energy has hopes for wind and solar projects with battery storage. Fresh Energy’s director of energy markets Allen Gleckner quoted. (Star Tribune)

1.17.18 // Diversify with solar. Fresh Energy’s director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy Rob Davis quoted. (Successful Farming)

1.8.18 // 5 ways Minnesota is better because of the Next Generation Energy Act. Commentary by Fresh Energy’s senior policy associate in energy markets Andrew Twite. (MinnPost)

1.6.18 // Nuclear power is here to stay in Minnesota. Fresh Energy’s executive director Michael Noble quoted. (St. Cloud Times)

12.30.17 // University of Minnesota energy plant to increase efficiency. Fresh Energy’s director of energy performance Will Nissen quoted. (Miami Herald)

12.28.17 // Tax overhaul leaves Minnesota clean energy future uncertain. Fresh Energy’s executive director Michael Noble quoted. (Pioneer Press)

12.28.17 // Tax overhaul breeds uncertainty for clean energy business. Fresh Energy’s executive director Michael Noble quoted. (Minnesota Public Radio)

12.22.17 // Has Xcel Minnesota designed the ideal residential time-of-use rate? Fresh Energy’s director of energy performance Will Nissen quoted. (Utility Dive)

12.21.17 // New U of M energy plant reuses energy to bolster efficiency. Fresh Energy’s director of energy performance Will Nissen quoted. (Minnesota Public Radio)

12.21.17 // Xcel Energy’s community solar program hits major milestones in year 3. Written by Fresh Energy’s senior policy associate in energy markets Laura Hannah. (Greentech Media)

12.19.17 // Switching to a climate-friendly car isn’t as costly as you may think. Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton interviewed. (Minnesota Public Radio)

12.15.17 // What Minnesota can do now to regain leadership on climate change. Fresh Energy science policy director J. Drake Hamilton contributed to this op-ed. (Star Tribune)

12.12.17 // From Alberta to Minnesota. Fresh Energy science policy director J. Drake Hamilton mentioned. (Post Bulletin)

12.3.17 // A view on energy: Investing in renewables smarter than spending for pipelines. Opinion piece by Fresh Energy’s senior policy associate in energy markets Andrew Twite. (Duluth News Tribune)

11.30.17 // Utilities say CapX2020 transmission project prompting wind energy growth. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Midwest Energy News)

11.16.17 // Cypress Creek Renewables announces Maryland’s first solar array inspired by Maryland’s Pollinator-Friendly Solar Legislation. Fresh Energy’s director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy quoted. (New Brunswick Herald)

11.9.17 // PUC rules that co-ops must change way they calculate solar fees. Fresh Energy’s director of energy markets Allen Gleckner quoted. (Star Tribune)

11.8.17 // How solar-energy sites can provide habitat for our Minnesota monarchs. Commentary by Rob Davis, director of the Center for Pollinators in Energy at Fresh Energy. (Star Tribune)

10.17.17 // Carbon emissions cloud utility’s growing electric water heater program. Fresh Energy’s director of energy performance Will Nissen quoted. (Midwest Energy News)

10.12.17 // The Paul & Jordana Show: Puerto Rico and Clean Energy. Fresh Energy science policy director J. Drake Hamilton interviewed. (WCCO Radio)

10.12.17 // Minnesota tops in Midwest for energy efficiency. Fresh Energy’s director of energy performance Will Nissen quoted. (Public News Service)

10.10.17 // Environmental groups denounce Trump override of climate plan. Fresh Energy’s executive director Michael Noble interviewed. (Minnesota Public Radio)

10.10.17 // Minnesota conservatives praise Clean Power Plan rollback. Fresh Energy’s executive director Michael Noble quoted. (Minnesota Public Radio)

10.2.17 // 5 tech-related inspirations from VERGE 17. Fresh Energy’s media & innovation lab director Rob Davis mentioned.

9.27.17 // Electric cars, solar panels, wind farms electrifying the economy. Fresh Energy’s executive director Michael Noble quoted. (Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder)

9.23.17 // Electric car owners plugged into charging station event. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Star News)

9.5.17 // Sustainable: Energy storage could bolster electric grid. Fresh Energy’s energy markets director Allen Gleckner quoted. (Finance and Commerce)

9.2.17 // St. Paul company is one of first in country to install Tesla’s Powerwall. Fresh Energy’s  senior policy associate Laura Hannah quoted. (Star Tribune)

9.2.17 // Changing market makes Xcel Energy an evolving opponent for Boulder. Fresh Energy’s executive director Michael Noble quoted. (Boulder Daily Camera)

9.1.17 // Solar Power and Honey Bees Make a Sweet Combo in Minnesota. Fresh Energy’s media & innovation lab director Rob Davis quoted. (Modern Farmer)

8.31.17 // Carbon calculus: More states are adding carbon costs to utility planning guidelines. Fresh Energy science policy director J. Drake Hamilton quoted. (Utility Dive)

8.23.17 // Solar Honey Swirl ice cream at the State Fair. Fresh Energy’s media & innovation lab director Rob Davis quoted. (ABC Newspapers)

8.22.17 // Nation’s First Solar Honey Featured in New Ice Cream at MN State Fair. Fresh Energy mentioned. (American Ag Radio Network)

8.8.17 // The Paul & Jordana Show: Clean Energy. Fresh Energy science policy director J. Drake Hamilton interviewed. (WCCO Radio 830 AM)

8.4.17 // Climate Cast: The era of the giant wind farm. Fresh Energy science policy director J. Drake Hamilton interviewed. (Minnesota Public Radio)

7.28.17 // After 20 years, Minn. regulators update carbon pollution values Fresh Energy science policy director J. Drake Hamilton is quoted. (E&E News – paywall)

7.14.17 // Minnesota expected to get $47 million from Volkswagen settlement. Fresh Energy’s senior communications and government affairs specialist Matt Privratsky quoted. (Star Tribune)

7.20.17 // Regulators deciding whether to raise ‘social cost of carbon’ in Minnesota. Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton quoted. (Star Tribune)

7.5.17 // Minnesota is adopting a methodical approach to grid modernization. Fresh Energy’s energy markets director Allen Gleckner quoted. (EUCI)

6.26.17 // J. Drake Hamilton on the Benefits of Renewable Energy. Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton interviewed. (KAXE)

6.24.17 // Beekeepers sweeten solar sites with the ‘Tesla of honey’.  Fresh Energy’s media and innovation lab director Rob Davis quoted. (National Geographic)

6.23.17 // Should we geoengineer the atmosphere to fix climate change? Fresh Energy’s executive director Michael Noble interviewed. (Minnesota Public Radio)

6.20.17 // Who do utility customers appeal to? Fresh Energy’s director of renewable electricity Allen Gleckner quoted. (Post Bulletin)

6.19.17 // A sweet arrangement: Couple develops hardy bees, solar gardens and location-specific honey. Fresh Energy’s media & innovation lab director Rob Davis mentioned. (Park Rapids Enterprise)

6.9.17 // Minnesota electric vehicle advocates question fairness of new annual fee. Fresh Energy’s electric vehicle consultant Jukka Kukkonen quoted. (Midwest Energy News)

6.6.17 // Major changes coming to a Minnesota renewable energy fund. Fresh Energy’s senior communications and government affairs specialist Matt Privratsky quoted. (Midwest Energy News)

6.6.17 // Sustainable: Presenting the business case for clean energy. Fresh Energy’s executive director Michael Noble quoted. (Finance and Commerce)

6.6.17 // New law allows much of Minnesota’s biomass industry to be shut down. Fresh Energy’s senior communications and government affairs specialist Matt Privratsky quoted. (Star Tribune)

6.5.17 // Trump’s Paris retreat: What the climate accord actually does, and how Minnesota might move forward anyway. Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton quoted. (MinnPost)

5.31.17 // State further restricts PUC oversight of electric co-ops. Fresh Energy’s director of renewable electricity Allen Gleckner quoted. (Star Tribune)

5.26.17 // Minnesota’s solar energy subsidies look to be on their way out.  Fresh Energy’s director of renewable electricity Allen Gleckner quoted. (Star Tribune)

5.26.17 // Advocates say Minnesota bill a setback for clean energy progress, but it ‘could have been worse.‘  Fresh Energy’s senior communications and government affairs specialist Matt Privratsky quoted. (Midwest Energy News)

5.25.17 // Colorado regulators seize the climate fight in landmark ruling on carbon costs. Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton quoted. (Utility Dive)

5.24.17 // It’s not just the bees and flowers that make this garden special. Fresh Energy’s media & innovation lab director Rob Davis quoted. (Martha Stewart)

5.22.17 // Renewable energy, consumer groups disappointed with energy bill. Fresh Energy’s executive director Michael Noble quoted. (Minnesota Public Radio)

5.22.17 // In Minnesota, utilities and regulators plan for the grid of the future. Fresh Energy’s director of renewable electricity Allen Gleckner quoted. (Midwest Energy News)

5.14.17 // Sunnyside to bee-keeping: Solar gardens providing habitat for honey makers. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Duluth News Tribune)

5.14.17 // Sunnyside to bee-keeping: Solar gardens providing habitat for honey makers. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Inforum)

5.14.17 // Sunnyside to bee-keeping: Solar gardens providing habitat for honey makers. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Bemidji Pioneer)

5.14.17 // Super bees that can survive St. Paul winters? You bee-tcha. This couple breeds ’em. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Pioneer Press)

4.29.17 // Ramsey energy company finds perfect pairing in putting bees, solar panels together. Fresh Energy’s media & innovation lab director Rob Davis quoted. (Star Tribune)

4.25.17 // May conference will address Minnesota’s clean-electricity growth. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Star Tribune)

4.20.17 // My Voice: S.D. gets good grades for air quality. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Argus Leader)

4.17.17 // Advocates hoped for more Volkswagen funds for EVs to be directed to Midwest. Fresh Energy mentioned. (Midwest Energy News)

3.29.17 // Minnesota should not be affected by Trump’s rescinding Clean Power Plan. Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton quoted. (Star Tribune)

3.28.17 // Economics, not EPA, drive down power plant emissions in Minnesota. Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton quoted. (Minnesota Public Radio)

3.22.17 // Fresh Energy science policy director: Minnesota leads nation in renewables. Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton profiled. (Northwoods Press)

3.23.17 // Solar power shines its way into Carver County. Fresh Energy’s director of renewable electricity Allen Gleckner quoted. (Chaska Herald)

3.16.17 // Senate passes legislation that could diminish PUC oversight. Fresh Energy’s senior communications and government affairs specialist Matt Privratsky quoted. (Star Tribune)

3.15.17 // Minnesota’s High Performance Buildings. Fresh Energy’s executive director Michael Noble mentioned. (Builder Magazine)

3.13.17 // High-performance buildings are a big opportunity for Minnesota. Fresh Energy’s executive director Michael Noble and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s president and CEO Sue Haigh make the compelling case. (MinnPost)

3.8.17 // International Women’s Day: Climate Change Action. Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton interviewed. (KFAI)

3.7.17 // Take a look at the only 2017 Chevy Bolt in the upper Midwest. Fresh Energy’s senior communications and government affairs specialist Matt Privratsky quoted. (WCCO)

3.6.17 // Otter Tail Power raises monthly fixed fee almost 15%. Fresh Energy’s policy associate in energy performance Ben Passer quoted. (Red Lake Falls Gazette)

2.28.17 // Dayton signs law allowing Xcel to build natural gas-fired plant in Becker. Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton quoted. (Star Tribune)

2.27.17 // Dayton Administration proposes more energy from renewables.  The clean power groups Fresh Energy and Wind on the Wires are welcoming the proposal. (Associated Press)

2.27.17 // Bipartisan effort seeks to double Minnesota’s renewable energy standard. Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton quoted. (Midwest Energy News)

2.9.17 // Climate Cast: Wind turbines create economic and environmental opportunities. Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton interviewed. (Minnesota Public Radio)

2.1.17 // Republican legislators take aim at Public Utilities Commission. Fresh Energy’s director of renewable electricity Allen Gleckner quoted.  (MinnPost)

2.1.17 // Legislature could intervene in dispute over solar fees.  Fresh Energy’s director of renewable electricity Allen Gleckner quoted.  (Star Tribune)

1.31.17 // Clean Energy with J. Drake Hamilton.  Fresh Energy’s science policy director J. Drake Hamilton interviewed. (KAXE)

1.23.17 // In Midwest, a vow to continue clean energy push under Trump. “If you’re looking for a growth engine, and any incoming leader should be, renewable energy is a good place.” (J. Drake Hamilton – E&E News)

1.18.17 // Xcel’s pitch for new Becker power plants gets OK from House committee. “The means to determine the best ways to replace Sherco 1 and 2 are already in place.” (J. Drake Hamilton – Star Tribune)

1.13.17 // Trump vs. Climate: What Can He Really Do? “We do not have to choose between environmental protection and economic development. The revolution in renewable energies means that we can have both at the same time.” (J. Drake Hamilton – Perspective Daily)

1.12.17 // Happy Dancing Turtle ‘The Power of Change’ is Feb. 11. The keynote speaker is J. Drake Hamilton, Science Policy director at Fresh Energy, a Minnesota-based nonprofit that has been working for more than 20 years to shape a clean energy future. (Pilot Independent)

1.11.17 // Switching To Solar Energy. ”It’s becoming a cost-effective way of producing energy” (Allen Gleckner – Dodge County Independent)

1.5.17 // 11th Back to Basics event set Feb. 11 A keynote address will be from J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director at Fresh Energy, named among Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine’s 100 influential people “who make things happen.” (Brainerd Dispatch)

12.24.16 // Xcel Energy flips switch on new plant, more than doubling solar energy generation in Minnesota “Solar is taking off in Minnesota, and it’s a sign of a lot more to come,” said Allen Gleckner, director of energy markets at Fresh Energy. (Star Tribune)

12.21.16 // A Checkup on Xcel’s 2-Year-Old Community Solar Program Independent energy nonprofit Fresh Energy shares insights on the maturing Minnesota program. (Laura Hannah – Greentech Media)

12.16.16 // Clean Power Plan B: Why Minnesota will be a climate leader in Trump’s America “The revolution that’s being driven by strong growth in renewable energy, energy efficiency based prices, is well underway.” (J. Drake Hamilton – MinnPost)

12.13.16 // How forward-thinking utilities are addressing corporate demand for renewables “We are working to get an additionality assurance into the proposal that would allow Xcel to add 75 MW of new renewables.” (Allen Gleckner – Utility Dive)

12.13.16 // Joyce Foundation Awards $10 million in Grants to Advance Policies on Energy Efficiency Fresh Energy of St. Paul, Minnesota ($300,000, 2 years) will work on Minnesota energy efficiency and carbon pollution policy. (Yahoo Finance)

12.6.16 // The Future of Renewable Energy Policy with J. Drake Hamilton This week’s podcast is a conversation with J. Drake Hamilton, a Science Policy Director for Fresh Energy, a Minnesota-based non-profit. (Streets.MN)

11.15.16 // Election puts change in the wind on Minn. energy policy Noble said the price for clean energy has fallen to the point that it doesn’t make economic sense to go backward. (Michael Noble – Minnesota Public Radio)

10.19.16 // Minnesota Power to shut down two coal generators early ”What their analysis is showing is that combinations of clean energy are often cheaper than burning coal.” (J. Drake Hamilton – MPR, Southernminn.com)

10.19.16 // Minnesota Power shutting down two more coal generators “We are pleased with the company’s economic decision not to wait another six years, and the several years of lead time before 2018 allows them to provide for a smooth transition for the plant’s workers to other positions at the company.” (J. Drake Hamilton – Duluth News Tribune, Grand Forks Herald, Fargo Forum)

10.14.16 // State regulators approve Xcel’s plan to shut down Becker coal-fired plants “We think this is really good policy,” said J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director for Fresh Energy, a St. Paul renewable energy research and advocacy group. (Star Tribune, Post Bulletin)

10.14.16 // Xcel to replace 1.4 GW of coal with renewables, gas as Minnesota regulators approve IRP According to environmental group Fresh Energy, Xcel’s next resource plan will explore scenarios for the retirement of its remaining coal and nuclear plants, including the Sherco, King, Monticello and Prairie Island facilities. (Utility Dive)

10.13.16 // Here’s what Xcel Energy’s plan for MN power plants means for you But one organization that has a complaint is St. Paul based Fresh Energy, which according to its news outlet Midwest Energy News is 95 percent in favor of Xcel’s plan. (J. Drake Hamilton – GoMN)

10.13.16 // Minnesota regulators set to decide Sherco’s future “Prices are coming down so fast that if you lock in fossil fuels like natural gas, you’re in essence creating a very big risk for ratepayers that those (plants) will be stranded assets.” (J. Drake Hamilton – Midwest Energy News)

10.4.16 // Xcel Poises For PUC Decision On Renewables-Boosting Energy Plan “This Thursday, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will hold its final hearing on Xcel Energy’s 15-year energy plan, which would double the amount of wind and solar on the utility’s system, according to an announcement from Fresh Energy and the Sierra Club. (North American Wind Power)

9.22.16 // Xcel plans big expansion in wind power, adding enough capacity for 750,000 homes “Xcel’s visionary leadership on reducing the use of imported fossil fuels in the electric system is a model for utilities and energy companies across America.” (Michael Noble – Star Tribune)

9.21.16 // Tesla superchargers come to Oakdale “These are cars that you can get for twenty or thirty thousand dollars up front and save big time on the back end by charging with low-cost local energy like wind and solar.” (Matt Privratsky – Lillie News)

9.8.16 // Rate impacts of decoupling in Minnesota are minimal so far “Decoupling is a growing trend. This is where Minnesota is a leader of identifying this as a customer charge issue and identifying the alternative.” (Will Nissen – Midwest Energy News)

8.24.16 // Minn. says even without coal import ban, renewables will flourish “In Minnesota, coal plants that were serving Minnesota load a decade ago are closing right and left from economic pressure, and that pressure is best exemplified by the fact that energy efficiency and clean energy alternatives are undercutting them in terms of price,” J. Drake Hamilton added. “If you look at what’s happening across the United States, and especially in Minnesota, the world has dramatically moved on from coal.” (J. Drake Hamilton – ClimateWire)

8.23.16 // Safer Streets aims to make biking safer in St. Paul The nonprofit group Fresh Energy has enlisted the help of area civic leaders to push for safer streets for area motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists alike. (Matt Privratsky – Pioneer Press)

8.9.16 // A low-income St. Paul neighborhood has an ambitious energy plan “I think from our standpoint we’re proud to see Minnesota taking steps to make solar an option for households and families of modest incomes,” said policy associate Ben Passer. (Ben Passer – Midwest Energy News)

7.28.16 // New state office follows private sector’s lead in sustainability initiatives “By showing what works, Minnesota can be a model that others can adopt,” Privratsky said. (Matt Privratsky – Capitol Report)

7.25.16 // Minnesota first US state to embrace ‘value of solar’ tariff “The value of solar bill credit as adopted will be a transparent rate for subscribers that is based on a set 25-year bill credit schedule, creating clarity and reducing risk for subscribers.” (Allen Gleckner – Smart Grid News)

7.25.16 // Minnesota first to adopt ‘value of solar’ approach for community solar Fresh Energy expects 400 MW to 450 MW of community solar projects to enter service by the end of 2017, policy director Allen Gleckner wrote. (Utility Dive)

7.22.16 // ‘Value of solar’ gains another foothold in Minnesota “We think the value of solar is the best credit option. It was an excellent decision and a win for subscribers.” (Allen Gleckner – Midwest Energy News)

7.21.16 // Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approves size caps, rate structure for solar projects “This is really precedent setting,” said Allen Gleckner, director of energy markets at Fresh Energy, a solar advocacy group. “To our knowledge, it is the first time a value of solar rate has been implemented for a large utility.” (Star Tribune)

7.19.16 // Minnesota refinery plans major combined heat and power project Will Nissen, Fresh Energy’s energy performance director, said the project “will lead to a net reduction in carbon emissions.” (Midwest Energy News)

7.15.16 // Great River Energy to retire North Dakota coal plant In the past, Fresh Energy and other groups that promote renewable energy had pushed Minnesota regulators to require Great River Energy to study retirement of Stanton, but Friday’s decision came out of the blue, said J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director for Fresh Energy. (MPR News)

7.15.16 // Great River Energy closing Stanton plant “Retiring this uneconomic coal unit will save money for GRE’s customers in North Dakota and Minnesota and help cut carbon pollution in North Dakota, a win-win-win for the utility, the states, and customers.”. (J. Drake Hamilton – The Dickinson Press)

7.5.16 // Sustainable: Electric car charging stations catching on Kukkonen, founder of PlugInConnect and coordinator of Fresh Energy’s electric vehicle program, created several websites to help explain how electric car infrastructure operates, including one filled with multifamily housing examples. (Finance & Commerce)

7.2.16 // Minnesota solar energy development caught up in delays “Unfortunately, Xcel sees this program to some extent as contrary to its existing business model,” said Allen Gleckner, senior policy director at Fresh Energy, a St. Paul nonprofit. (Star Tribune)

6.15.16 // Appeals court upholds ruling blocking Minnesota clean energy law “Maybe we needed the law in 2007,” said Michael Noble, executive director of Fresh Energy, a St. Paul clean energy advocacy group that filed a friend of the court brief on behalf of Minnesota. “But in 2016, the three largest [U.S.] coal companies have gone bankrupt, and coal power plants are closing right and left.” (StarTribune)

6.15.16 // Reframe Minnesota’s conversation about disparities For Hardy, the path to the office includes public-, private- and nonprofit-sector experience, including a stop in St. Paul city government, where she worked as a planner. She also served as a policy director at the advocacy group Fresh Energy (Pioneer Press)

6.14.16 // Minnesota should go all in on electric buses The Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul region has the potential to become one of the world’s great urban centers – but to realize that potential we must lead in electrifying our entire transportation system, starting with electric buses. (Michael Noble and Michael Langley of Greater MSP – MinnPost)

6.10.16 // Minnesota regulators halt rural co-ops’ fixed charges for solar The Environmental Policy & Law Center and Fresh Energy filed a separate complaint that, in essence, argued that fixed fees were not appropriately filed and that co-ops shouldn’t be allowed to charge them. (Midwest Energy News)

6.10.16 // Minnesota Power plan approved by state PUC “Today’s decision would put Minnesota Power in step with customers’ support for an energy system that takes advantage of pollution-free resources available today at low cost, that reduce risks to human health.” (J. Drake Hamilton – Mesabi Daily News)

5.16.16 // Renewables advocates ask Minnesota regulators to streamline DER interconnection Renewables advocates Fresh Energy, Environmental Law & Policy Center, and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), filed a proposal with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission asking for a streamlining of the state’s interconnection standard. (Utility Dive)

5.16.16 // Minn. advocates look to speed up grid-connection process “Time is money, and delays in the process impact the financial requirements of these projects.” (Holly Lahd – EnergyWire)

5.13.16 // What is community solar and how does it work? Guest host Steve Thomson talks Community Solar Gardens with Matt Privratsky of Fresh Energy (WCCO Radio)

5.13.16 // Proposal seeks to speed approvals for Minnesota solar projects “The current standards are inadequate,” Lahd said. “Our proposal would update Minnesota’s interconnection standards with those of other states’ best practices and lessons learned from our own community solar experience.” (Midwest Energy News)

5.2.16 // Peabody coal’s contrarian scientist witnesses lose their court case It was a case argued mainly between environmental groups (such as Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, and their clients Fresh Energy and the Sierra Club) and energy producers (such as the now-bankrupt coal company Peabody Energy) regarding what a reasonable social cost of carbon should be. (The Guardian)

4.28.16 // Commuter Choice Awards recognize sustainable transportation leaders While sustainable transportation naturally aligns with Fresh Energy’s mission, it also reflects a robust transportation benefits program. Employees can earn $2 per day by walking or biking to work. Fresh Energy also matches employee spending on transit. (Metro Transit Rider’s Almanac)

4.20.16 // Minnesota judge urges higher carbon price to guide utility system planning Since then it’s been raised to track inflation, but according to Minnesota advocacy group Fresh Energy, the cost still caps at less than $5/ton. (Utility Dive)

4.19.16 // ALJ: Minnesota Should Use Federal Costs of Carbon in Decisions She said the estimated $2.1 billion annual cost likely opened some eyes at the PUC. (J. Drake Hamilton – Bloomberg BNA)

4.18.16 // Updated climate change costs make coal-fired power less attractive Minnesota’s law is unique and will result in more prudent decisions on behalf of electricity customers,” Hamilton said. But the rate structure is “about 19 years behind the science.” (MPR)

4.14.16 // Gov. Mark Dayton appoints Shawntera Hardy DEED commissioner Hardy, a Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree in 2015, was formerly a St. Paul city planner and director of transportation and the built environment at St. Paul nonprofit Fresh Energy.” ( StarTribune, Pioneer Press, Business Journal, MinnPost)

4.13.16 // How Minnesota is approaching grid modernization as a vertically-integrated state “We have the technology to engage customers on their side of the meter, but we need the rates to enable it.” (Holly Lahd – Utility Dive)

4.13.16 // Study: Decoupling policies could boost efficiency spending, savings “Every utility demonstrated an increase in both spending and savings after decoupling was implemented.” (Will Nissen – Utility Dive)

4.7.16 // Mac hosts Power Dialog on renewable energy Panelists were leaders in industry, politics, civil service and NGOs, ranging from Chris Clark, the head of Xcel Energy in the Upper-Midwest, to Commissioner John Linc Stine of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), and including representatives from both political parties and the NGO Fresh Energy. (J. Drake Hamilton – The Mac Weekly)

4.7.16 // Investment in energy conservation will pay off In making this investment, Mayor Larson is sending a clear signal to the marketplace. These projects and investments tell businesses that work in energy efficiency that Duluth is a good place to set up shop and grow jobs. (Will Nissen – Duluth News Tribune)

4.1.16 // Solar `speed dating’ matches consumers with firms that are building solar gardens “Consumers want to know where their energy is being produced and what their options are,” Privratsky said. (Matt Privratsky – StarTribune)

3.31.16 // The link between decoupling and success in utility-led energy efficiency As decoupling grows in popularity to realign the increasingly outdated utility business model with investments in energy efficiency, robust data establishing a link to program performance is more critical than ever. (Will Nissen – Electricity Journal)

3.29.16 // Minnesota co-ops rolling out high fixed charge for solar customers “The rates we’re seeing charged by Minnesota co-ops are the highest in the country,” said Allen Gleckner, a senior policy associate at Fresh Energy. (Allen Gleckner – Midwest Energy News)

3.28.16 // Minnesota legislators buzzing with electric, plug-in hybrid car rebate “The challenge with it is really that we have been using the same technology for the last century,” he said. “This helps the consumers to take the step forward.” (Jukka Kukkonen – StarTribune)

3.18.16 // Twin Cities Auto Show scraps Green Room for all Electric Currently, newer all-electric vehicles get 80 to 110 miles. Kukkonen believes that the 200-mile range will ignite the industry.  (Jukka Kukkonen – StarTribune)

3.8.16 // Minnesota conservation groups attack EPA-approved pollution control plan The EPA’s approval spurred criticism by the National Parks Conservation Association, Voyageurs National Park Association, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, Sierra Club, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy and Fresh Energy, an independent energy nonprofit headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Great Lakes Echo)

3.7.16 // Are electric cars practical in Minnesota? “The grid is getting cleaner all the time, whereas oil is just getting dirtier.” (Jukka Kukkonen – Minnesota Public Radio)

1.25.16 // Threats and opportunities on a key monarch anniversary “It turns out, fields of ground-mounted solar panels can provide excellent habitat for monarchs and bees as well as song and game birds.” (Rob Davis – MinnPost)

12.31.15 // Energy Advocates Say We’re At Tipping Point For Electric Cars Fresh Energy’s Holly Lahd says the continued spread of charging stations will give owners the peace of mind needed to overcome their so-called battery range anxiety. “With the new vehicles getting over 100 miles per charge and, in 2017, maybe over 200 miles, these are going to be everywhere,” Lahd said. (Holly Lahd – WCCO)

12.17.15 // A look at our ‘not-so-wintry’ weather J. Drake Hamilton joins Paul Huttner to discuss the Paris climate agreement and what it means for Minnesota and the world. (J. Drake Hamilton, around the 45 minute mark – MPR News )

12.17.15 // What Paris means for Minnesota J. Drake Hamilton joins KAXE community radio in Grand Rapids to discuss the Paris climate agreement and what it means for Minnesota and the world. (J. Drake Hamilton, around the 20 minute mark – KAXE Radio )

12.15.15 // Lessons From the First Year of Xcel Energy’s Community Solar Program Will 2016 be smoother than 2015? Independent energy nonprofit Fresh Energy offers up some insight. (Allen Gleckner – GreenTechMedia)

12.10.15 // Paris Climate Talks “We visit with J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director for Fresh Energy, a St. Paul based non-profit; and Patrick Hamilton, director of the Science Learning Division at Global Change Initiatives. They report from Paris where they’re observing the climate talks.” (J. Drake Hamilton – MinnPost)

12.8.15 // Can cities do anything about climate change, or do we have to wait for an international pact? “I don’t actually think there’s’ much of an urban/rural divide among people in Minnesota,” Hamilton told me. “There’s definitely a need for diversifying our economic opportunities. Clean energy that fights global warming is something that does that. Wind development in rural Minnesota has helped bring jobs and money to those counties.” (J. Drake Hamilton – MinnPost)

12.5.15 // Minnesota Power seeks bids for first big gas plant “Eventually, it benefits all customers to have utility resources be as nimble as possible, and to reflect the reality that carbon-emitting resources like gas will have increasing costs in the future,” she said. (J. Drake Hamilton – Duluth News Tribune and Grand Forks Herald)

12.3.15 // MSP Airport Throws Switch On Giant Solar Farm “Our statewide goal is around 300 to 400 megawatts by the year 2020, and we’re poised to meet or exceed that by the end of next year,” Lahd said. (Holly Lahd – WCCO and WDAY)

12.3.15 // State’s largest solar array now generating power at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport “As the investment tax credit declines, you are going to see new financing tools like the Clean Renewable Energy Bonds come into play,” Lahd said. (Holly Lahd – Star Tribune)

11.26.15 // St. Paul mayor prepares to lead delegation to Paris climate summit “I’m really looking forward to bringing stories of what Minnesota has already done to cut carbon,” said J. Hamilton. “Other countries are eager to see the richest nation in the world lead, and for years, we weren’t really leading. Now, things have changed.” (Pioneer Press and Grand Forks Herald)

11.3.15 // How can Minnesota implement efficient local energy that runs on wood? Combined heat and power (CHP) takes much of the heat that is wasted during traditional power generation and uses it to heat a building or a water system. This efficiency creates big time energy and financial savings – so why hasn’t it been more widely embraced? (MinnPost and Energy Manager Today)

10.24.15 // Plans booming for community solar gardens “The overarching reason for a community solar program is to provide options for all consumers – businesses, nonprofits, cities, school districts, no matter what income level or whether they own their own roof or not,” said Matt Privratsky (St Cloud Times)

10.21.15 // New energy program will help people save money and time “This program will help make things much easier for building owners and tenants,” added Passer. “Any program that can help make housing options more affordable and energy efficient is win-win.”(Osakis Review and Commercial Property Executive)

9.6.15 // Big power users face potentially smaller harvest from community solar gardens in Minnesota “Customers are eager to get new electricity options, and community solar is a way to provide those options,” Lahd said. (Holly Lahd – Star Tribune)

8.31.15 // General Mills Pledges 28 Percent Cut In Greenhouse Gas Emissions By 2025 “‘As an agricultural company, they’re seeing it maybe earlier than other companies are in their bottom line,’ said Holly Lahd with Fresh Energy.” (CBS Minnesota)

8.7.15 // Solar farms could make fertile habitats for bees and butterflies Investing in native habitat also may help developers manage water runoff. “We think it will pencil out the right way,” he said. (Rob Davis – GreenBiz )

8.4.15 // How hard will it be for MN to hit clean energy plan? “We know how to do this, we know how to do it cost-effectively, and in Minnesota we’ve done it through utility collaboration and really smart energy policies that save energy and grow clean energy jobs,” she said. (J. Drake Hamilton – MPR News )

8.3.15 // EPA rule on coal power plants is push toward clean energy and efficiency In the final version, the EPA recognized the state’s early efforts at carbon reduction and reduced the 2030 carbon reduction target from 42 percent to 40.3 percent, said J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director for the St. Paul nonprofit Fresh Energy, which supported the plan. (Star Tribune)

8.3.15 // Environmental advocate: U.S. must lead world in cutting carbon The Obama Administration now wants carbon dioxide pollution cut by 32 percent by 2030. Each state will have a different percentage, and Minnesota’s could be as high as 42 percent. J. Drake Hamilton, from the Minnesota advocacy group Fresh Energy, will be at the White House today for the announcement. (MPR News)

8.3.15 // Minnesota Power, MPCA ready for new carbon regulations “This really could be the single largest step taken by anyone to combat climate change so far,” said J. Drake Hamilton, science and policy director Minnesota-based Fresh Energy, in advance of the final rule. “Especially heading into the discussions in December on a world stage.”(Duluth News Tribune)

8.3.15 // Our View: Emission rules: Minnesota on target to reduce carbon pollution “We’re in better shape because we have a couple of decades now of not just renewables but energy efficiency and with utilities that have always been at the table,” Hamilton said. “We got smart early on in Minnesota because we’re innovative people.” (J. Drake Hamilton – Duluth News Tribune)

7.20.15 // Xcel Energy’s large coal-fired generators at Becker face pressure for retirement “‘The time for excuses is past,’ said J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director for Fresh Energy, a St. Paul nonprofit that for the first time conducted its own analysis of Xcel’s costs and needs, relying on the same modeling software used by the utility. ‘These are very old, very dirty units, not just in regard to carbon but with regard to soot pollution that is damaging to human health.’” (Star Tribune)

7.13.15 // Community solar coming to Xcel Energy customers But Rob Davis of Fresh Energy, a clean energy advocacy organization, said people shouldn’t have to wait for Xcel Energy to boost its solar output. “I want to go solar more quickly,” he said. “And that’s where community solar comes in. You can go 50 or 100 percent solar. It’s your choice.” (Minnesota Public Radio)

7.9.15 // Coal-fired operations to end at Taconite Harbor Energy Center; plant will be idled in 2016 “The closure of these units provides the opportunity for state regulators to continue their careful examination of how to transition Minnesota Power’s energy mix to more clean and efficient sources.” (J. Drake Hamilton – Duluth News Tribune)

7.9.15 // Minnesota Power to idle coal-burning power plant in Schroeder, Minn., in 2016 “This is a critical step for Minnesota. As renewable energy like wind and solar continue to undercut the costs of new natural gas, they can provide a lower-cost, cleaner option than natural gas for new electricity,” said J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director at Fresh Energy (Star Tribune)

7.9.15 // Minnesota utility to shut down coal units on Lake Superior Fresh Energy science policy director J. Drake Hamilton said the Taconite Harbor’s closure “is a critical step for Minnesota. These were polluting old units. It is great news for the health of Minnesotans.” (Midwest Energy News)

7.8.15 // Minnesota energy company can reduce costs by retiring coal units “J. Drake Hamilton says retiring two Sherco units would be seven-and-a-half million dolllars cheaper than Xcel’s proposed 15-year plan.” (Radio 570 WNAX)

6.26.15 // Solar gardens can get only so big under agreement “‘They just want certainty in this program as they’re investing a lot of time and money and work,’ said Holly Lahd. ‘What does 5 megawatts co-located really mean?'” (Minnesota Public Radio)

6.25.15 // Minnesota utility regulators put limits on solar gardens Only the first crop of solar gardens can be built in five-unit clusters. Later this year, the limit drops to 1 megawatt. Holly Lahd said that could mean an end to solar garden development unless the rules are revised. (Star Tribune)

6.18.15 // Minnesota clean-energy advocates oppose new ‘grid fee’ “J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director for the group Fresh Energy, is among those who argued that the change is a step backward. ‘It dis-incentivizes those customers who are voluntarily trying to clean up their own energy use at their home and in their community with these highly unfavorable, discriminatory rates,’ Hamilton said. ‘We think it’s very bad policy.'” (Associated Press; Minnesota Public Radio)

6.17.15 // Will Steger makes push for clean energy commitment in Minnesota “Minnesota is already on track to meet the Clean Power Plan standards, and that’s because we have strong renewable energy standards … that we have already met because we have been aggressive,” [J. Drake Hamilton] said. “Minnesota is proof positive that a state can cost-effectively create excellent-paying jobs and cut carbon very aggressively.”(Forum News Service)

6.6.15 // Revolt against high gas prices, volatile foreign oil markets! Power your car with wind “‘It’s a lot more secure than bringing [fuel] from far-away, unstable places,’ noted Michael Noble. (Into the Wind)

6.5.15 // Co-op powers EVs completely with wind “‘There has never been so much innovation going into producing vehicles that are faster, safer, cleaner, and cheaper and easier to maintain,’ said Michael Noble.” (Fierce Energy)

6.3.15 // Great River Energy Offers Free Wind Energy Upgrade for Electric Vehicles  “There has never been so much innovation going in to producing vehicles that are faster, safer, cleaner, and cheaper and easier to maintain,” said Michael Noble, executive director of Fresh Energy, a nonprofit organization that advocates for acceleration of Minnesota’s transition to a clean energy economy. (Business Wire)

5.30.15 // City has chance to lead with solar  J. Drake Hamilton: “Voters across Minnesota overwhelmingly support a transition from coal to clean energy. Bipartisan polling shows 91 percent of voters select solar energy as their top preference for new energy.” (Red Wing Republican Eagle)

5.29.15 // Regulators give green light to largest Minnesota solar energy project “This signals that something big is happening in solar energy in Minnesota,” said Michael Noble, executive director of Fresh Energy, a St. Paul nonprofit that advocates greater reliance on renewable energy. (StarTribune)

5.18.15 // Events will show progress toward clean energy J. Drake Hamilton: “Just as our national policies begin to catch up to effective policies tested and proven in Minnesota, the timing may be right for a truly global agreement on effective climate action. In December, leaders from 192 nations will gather for what is likely the most historic opportunity for moving forward on clean energy.” (St Cloud Times)

4.27.15 // In crafting energy policy, remember the ‘Minnesota Way‘ “It’s a story worth revisiting (see the oral history released this week by Fresh Energy) not just because it helped put Minnesota at the forefront of national energy policy, but also because it should serve as a shining example of what we can accomplish when we do things the right way, the Minnesota Way.” (MinnPost)

4.26.15 // Sustainability advocates want say in DMC project “‘We’re really going to put Rochester and Minnesota on the map as being able to develop a world-class set of facilities that serve healthcare and also are a shining light for what we can do throughout the world,’ J. Drake Hamilton said.” (ABC 6 News)

4.13.15 // Superfund to solar: Plan to transform ex-ammo plant takes shape “Things that were unimaginable five years ago are technically possible now,” Michael Noble said. “A community that is producing as much energy as it consumes is now possible and doable and is on the drawing boards in the Twin Cities.” (Minnesota Public Radio)

4.10.15 // Utility to cut sulfur emissions at Lake Superior coal plant The report is required to have detailed analysis of the costs of upgrading old coal plants compared with building new generation facilities which would have fewer emissions, said J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director at Fresh Energy. “What Minnesota Power has found in other plants is that it makes more sense to retire and replace those older units with cleaner sources of energy,” she said. (Midwest Energy News)

4.10.15 // Political divide emerges over Minnesota energy policy “If any large part of this were to become law, it would be going backward, not forward,” said Michael Noble, executive director of Fresh Energy, a St. Paul-based nonprofit that helped draft the 2013 state law that has triggered increased investment in solar power across the state. (Startribune)

4.9.15 // Builders ask lawmakers for more flexible energy code  “In general, we felt the bill was a little too vague and we want to ensure that consumers are getting what they are paying for – a home that won’t be drafty and is built to standards of our current code,” Alison Lindburg, policy director for Fresh Energy added.” (Finance and Commerce – paywall)

2.17.15 // Minnesota’s Solar Garden Program Helps Small Businesses “‘We call these [solar investment] deals mall developments because you can’t build a shopping mall without there being an anchor tenant. And school districts and Fortune 500 corporations and people with Blue Chip credit are serving as the anchor tenants,’ said Michael Noble.” (3BL Media/Justmeans)

1.14.15 // ‘Solar Gardens’ Growing New Potential for Energy in Minnesota “Michael Noble said the program not only has the potential to boost the state’s renewable energy portfolio, but it also promotes commercial investments in the state.” (Triple Pundit)

1.13.15 // Ecolab to go all-solar in Minnesota “Michael Noble, executive [director] of Fresh Energy, a St. Paul nonprofit that backed the state solar law, said it offers a ‘forward-looking strategy’ for corporations, many of which have made sustainability part of their missions. ‘Ecolab is smart to lock in on long-term, stable, carbon-free energy,’ Noble said.” (Star Tribune)

12.30.14 // 10 Ways politics shaped the environment in 2014 “It was Michael Noble, however, who put the outcome into current perspective. ‘They won their litigation, but the world is moving on from coal.’” (Triple Pundit)

12.19.14 // Xcel gets 427 solar garden applications in Minnesota “It is exciting that commercial projects are coming together,” said Michael Noble. “Minnesota has been way behind on solar power and it looks like we are going to catch up with other states.” (Star Tribune)

11.25.14 // Insights into ACEEE’s First Intelligent Efficiency Conference Interview with Will Nissen at the ACEEE Intelligent Efficiency Conference in San Francisco. (Center for Energy and the Environment)

11.24.14 // Clean energy groups join N.D.-Minn. energy appeal “[Scott Strand’s] legal brief in support of Minnesota’s position was filed on behalf of the center, the nonprofit advocacy group Fresh Energy and the Izaak Walton League.” (Star Tribune)

11.19.14 // Environmentalists and Corporations Make Strange Bedfellows . . . Or Do They? Watch J. Drake Hamilton on a panel discussing 21st century partnerships between environmentalists and corporations. (University of Minnesota)

11.17.14 // Experts, advocates make competing claims on high-voltage transmission “Michael Goggin is testifying on behalf of Wind on the Wires, Fresh Energy and the Izaak Walton League of America. All support the Badger-Coulee project.” (The La Crosse Tribune)

10.14.14 // MN Next: Climate change and Minnesota Maddy Mahon talks with J. Drake Hamilton discussing climate change and what it means for Minnesota’s future. (Minnesota Public Radio)

10.8.14 // An ice-free Arctic “‘For a long time humans have been very green but politicians have not,’ J. Drake Hamilton said.” (Red Wing Republican Eagle)

10.1.14 // Editorial: Let’s warm up to tackling a global concern This editorial discusses the October 4 climate forum that featured Will Steger and J. Drake Hamilton as speakers. (Red Wing Republican Eagle)

7.22.14 // Minnesota backers praise EPA carbon rules “‘We know that there are costs being incurred because of our inaction on global warming and climate change,’ said J. Drake Hamilton.” (Minnesota Public Radio)

7.8.14 // Editorial: The answer is blowin’ in the wind “According to Fresh Energy…the wind industry has invested $5.6 billion in the Minnesota economy.” (Worthington Daily Globe)

6.24.14 // Twin Cities electric-car owners are putting the brakes on gas “‘This law is a win-win-win,’ J. Drake Hamilton said. ‘It’s a significant savings to customers, an extraordinary market opportunity for electric utilities and timely action for Minnesota.’” (Star Tribune)

6.22.14 // Combat climate change: Duluth knows all about bad storms “We’re already incurring costs from climate change so it’s not a question of whether we’re going to start spending money because of carbon pollution. We’re already spending money by not cutting carbon pollution. Certainly Duluth has seen that in spades.” (Duluth News Tribune)

6.22.14 // Combat climate change: ‘Minnesota has been a leader’ “…what we really like about this plan is that (it’s being left) up to the states to meet with people and stakeholders (and to determine state-by-state how to meet the standards). How will it work best for Minnesota?” (Duluth News Tribune)

6.15.14 // J. Drake Hamilton: Environmental Protection Agency rules energize heartland while responsibly cutting carbon “The Clean Power Plan gives our states flexibility to create customized solutions. The mix of energy efficiency, wind power and solar energy each state deploys by 2030 to cut carbon will vary, but our children can—and do—expect us by 2030 to spur large amounts of clean energy development to power their future.” (Grand Forks Herald)

6.13.14 // Minnesota introduces statewide off-peak EV charging rate “The law should also encourage economic growth in Minnesota as growing demand for electric vehicles and charging facilities would create jobs in the construction and maintenance sector, according to Michael Noble.” (Utility Dive)

6.13.14 // Minnesota scores first-in-United States statewide electric vehicle charging discount rate “More than 1.3 million households throughout the state will have the chance to take advantage of off-peak rates when recharging their plug-ins during hours outside of the 4:00PM to 8:00PM time frame, clean energy advocate Fresh Energy says.” (AutoBlogGreen)

6.9.14 // Other Views: Minnesota leads in reducing emissions “The utilities have discovered, often to their surprise, that the status quo is not the cheaper option, said J. Drake Hamilton.” (Fergus Falls Journal)

6.6.14 // Group asks Xcel to try tiered pricing “‘This is an opportunity to lower your energy bill in a way that’s more beneficial to you as a low-use customer than the current flat-rate structure,” said Will Nissen.” (The Mankato Free Press)

6.6.14 // Groups ask Xcel to try tiered pricing; say charging heavy users more will spur conservation “Will Nissen says the system would also benefit low-use customers.” (Star Tribune)

6.6.14 // Minnesota leads in reducing emissions; New EPA policy would catch up to this state’s healthy pace “The utilities have discovered, often to their surprise, that the status quo is not the cheaper option,’ said J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director of Fresh Energy.” (Star Tribune)

6.5.14 // New billing method proposed for Xcel would raise rate for energy hogs “It rewards customers who have already invested in energy efficiency or engage in other conservation measures,” said Will Nissen, a policy associate at Fresh Energy, a St. Paul nonprofit group that joined with others to propose the plan to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. (Star Tribune)

6.5.14 // Environmental groups want Xcel to use tiered energy pricing “This is an opportunity to lower your energy bill in a way that’s more beneficial to you [as] a low-use customer than the current flat-rate structure,” said Will Nissen, a policy associate for Fresh Energy. “And it’s an opportunity to take advantage of the best energy resource we have in Minnesota, which is simply the kilowatt hour you don’t use.” (Minnesota Public Radio)

6.4.14 // Obama orders Minnesota to cut emissions by 41 percent “J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director for Fresh Energy, said the wind power industry has invested $5.5 billion in Minnesota’s economy and supports about 2,000 jobs.” (Associated Press | Rochester Post-Bulletin)

6.3.14 // Feds point to Minnesota as example of how to cut greenhouse gases “J. Drake Hamilton said even more conservation can be done. ‘What every analysis shows is that we are not near the ceiling of what we can do with energy efficiency,’ she said.” (Star Tribune)

6.2.14 // Obama orders Minnesota to cut emissions 41 percent “J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director for Fresh Energy, said the wind power industry has invested $5.5 billion in Minnesota’s economy and supports about 2,000 jobs.” (Associated Press | seattlepi.com)

6.2.14 // Minnesota ordered to cut carbon emissions 41 percent “J. Drake Hamilton said the wind power industry has invested $5.5 billion in Minnesota’s economy and supports about 2,000 jobs.” (Pioneer Press)

5.24.14 // Your Turn: Minnesota must change with climate “Climate change is not a distant threat but is visible today—including in Minnesota, the third-fastest warming state.” (St. Cloud Times)

5.12.14 // J. Drake Hamilton of Fresh Energy – Minnesota’s Climate Ian Levitt talks with J. Drake Hamilton about what we can expect in Minnesota when it comes to the future of our climate. (AM950)

5.7.14 // National Climate Assessment Highlights Minnesota’s Need to Reduce Risk “According to J. Drake Hamilton, ‘Climate change is fundamentally changing our nation’s environment and starting to impose real costs to Minnesota’s health and our economy. Thankfully, many solutions are available if leaders act quickly to tackle the impacts head on.'” (Insurance News Net)

5.7.14 // The National Climate Assessment’s Minnesota outlook “‘We’re seeing later frosts in many years, which can take out some crops, and an increase in crop diseases that used to be pushed back by our tough winters,’ J. Drake Hamilton said.” (Minnesota Public Radio)

5.6.14 // Climate change threatens forests, Great Lakes “J. Drake Hamilton said evidence suggests climate change played a part in the polar vortex weather phenomenon that caused temperatures to dip in January.” (Duluth News Tribune)

5.6.14  // New climate change report: “Decreased agricultural productivity“ Link to an article from Minnesota Public Radio featuring J. Drake Hamilton. (MinnPost)

5.6.14 // Q & A with J. Drake Hamilton J. Drake Hamilton gives more in-depth answers about the National Climate Assessment report. (Minnesota Public Radio)

5.6.14 // Report: Climate change bringing more severe weather to Minnesota “We are likely to see reduced yields and crop failures,” said J. Drake Hamilton. “And, in fact, the science is pointing to corn as being damaged by temperatures that exceed 90 degrees for more than a day or two. (Minnesota Public Radio)

4.6.14 // Xcel conservation programs shave 1.7 percent off power sales “That kilowatt-hour that you don’t use is always the cheapest,” said Will Nissen. (Star Tribune)

4.2.14 // Shocking: Drivers set to get break filling up (electric) cars “…the bill also removes regulatory uncertainty and clears the way for rate-regulated utilities to really become champions for electric vehicle adoption here in Minnesota.” (Watchdog)

3.31.14 // Sustainable: Minnesota to set up ‘value-of-solar’ tariff “Our understanding of how to quantify the benefits of solar has become more robust,” Erin Stojan Ruccolo said. “This was seen as a way to revisit this issue and see if we could do a much better job of figuring out what solar is worth.” (Finance and Commerce)

3.31.14 // Blunt Climate Report Urges Action J. Drake Hamilton talks to KFAI’s Terry Carter about a new United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report. (KFAI)

3.28.14 // Largest-ever Minnesota solar project gets tentative regulator approval “Solar wins the bid on ­economics alone,” Michael Noble said. “The environmental benefits are just a bonus.” (Star Tribune)

2.19.14 // NEWS DAY | 7-UP or Schlitz? Setting Minnesota’s legislative agenda Shawntera Hardy took part in the Q&A at the 2014 Legislative Session (Un-Session) Preview hosted by the McKnight Foundation on February 19. (Twin Cities Daily Planet)

February 2014 // The business of being a good neighbor Alexis Williams wrote a piece for the Minnesota Christian Examiner about the importance of aligning our daily choices and actions with our values. (See page 5.)

1.25.14 // PUC to update ‘external cost’ for Minnesota power sources ‘“What this would do is to cause Minnesota to take a hard look before investments are made in power plants so that … we have a sense of what those ultimate costs would be, and we’ll make fewer bad decisions,” said J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director with the nonprofit Fresh Energy.’

1.24.14 // Climate could change Mississippi ‘Scientists “have been really clear that it is the decisions human beings make on energy in the next few years that will determine this trajectory,” J. Drake Hamilton said. “This is not (yet) written in stone.”’

1.10.14 // Conference explores state’s approach to renewable energy projects “…Xcel’s aggressive move to add wind power in 2013 represents an investment of more than $3.5 billion, said Michael Noble of Minnesota-based Fresh Energy.” (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

1.7.14 // Energy reporters criticize “60 Minutes” episode Midwest Energy News’s Ken Paulman was interviewed about a recent “60 Minutes” episode that claimed energy efficiency is a failure. (Media Matters)

11.24.13 // J. Drake Hamilton interviewed on MN This Week J. Drake Hamilton was featured on MN This Week with Curtis Beckmann. (MN This Week)

10.12.13 // Environmental experts want “real” cost of coal considered “’Minnesota is poised to make important, long-range decisions about major investments in its energy future,’ said J. Drake Hamilton. ‘It is imperative that Minnesota use sound, up-to-date information about the real human health and environmental costs and consequences of electricity decisions.'” (Star Tribune)

10.10.13 // News study paints sweltering picture of future climate “In fact, as soon as 2047, just 34 years from now, the coldest years will be warmer than the hottest years of the past. ‘Your viewers will be alive then, and their kids, whose futures they’re preparing for, will be very much alive,’ said J. Drake Hamilton.” (WCCO)

10.8.13 // Greenspace: Laws, dollars may help Minnesota solar energy shine brighter “‘Perceptions about solar energy have changed,’ said Ross Abbey, one of the report authors. ‘Right now, we have lots of players all pushing in the same direction.’ Those players, he said, include everyone from the U.S. Department of Energy to grassroots organizations trying to change our energy production.” (Post Bulletin)

10.2.13 // J. Drake Hamilton, Science Policy Director of Fresh Energy on The Daily Report “Climate change is a human caused problem, with human solutions. Everything we can do for clean energy is a step in the right direction.” (AM950)

9.30.13 // Latest warming report draws a line not to cross J. Drake Hamilton joins the Daily Circuit discussion on the latest global warming report and its ramifications. (Minnesota Public Radio)

9.20.13 // Steger headlines forum on climate, energy, and health “Everyone has an opinion,” said J. Drake Hamilton. “But if you have a question about climate science you should go  to the people who publish climate science …. of the more than 4,000 academic papers published over the last 20 years, 97.1 percent agree that climate change is caused by human actions.” (Granite Falls Advocate Tribune)

9.17.13 // ‘Eyewitness’ to climate change in polar regions urges citizens to take action here Asked why they persevere, J. Drake Hamilton said they want to be able to answer future generations who will ask what we did in 2013 about climate change. “We think the answer to that is we did everything we could and it worked.’’ (West Central Tribune)

9.17.13 // Steger speaks on energy issues at CURE event “There is an urgent need for action,” J. Drake Hamilton said, “but if humans are responsible for it, humans can do something about it.” (Marshall Independent)

9.13.13 // Replacing Sherco’s coal Policy associate Alexis Williams’s letter in response to September 11 article, “Power plants singled out for carbon output.” (Pioneer Press)

9.10.13 // Steger to host clean energy forum in Granite Falls, Minnesota “Steger and Drake Hamilton urge clean energy solutions to reduce our carbon emissions while also building our economy.” (West Central Tribune)

8.14.13 // Midwest’s large coal-burning power plants are getting new life “The amount of carbon coming out of these power plants is something a lot of people are not aware of,” said J. Drake Hamilton. “They are by far the No. 1 source of carbon pollution in the state and in the country. To continue year after year adding to that very negative legacy is not a viable policy.” (Star Tribune)

7.10.13 // In wake of Xcel study, forum pulls in crowd ‘J. Drake Hamilton said Sherco is an opportunity for Minnesota to modernize its energy system. She was involved in Xcel’s study but said she was disappointed the company decided to keep burning coal.’ (St. Cloud Times)

7.2.13 // No plans to end coal-fired power at Sherco “For folks who were listening to President Obama’s direction to the Environmental Protection Agency last week, he made it clear that he is closing the loophole that now exists for existing coal burning power plants, that they’re putting carbon pollution in the atmosphere and not paying the costs,” said J. Drake Hamilton. (Minnesota Public Radio)

7.2.13 // Sherco efficiency study recommends continued operation of older units “We think the study is a missed opportunity for investing in clean energy,” said J. Drake Hamilton. Hamilton said Xcel’s study should have planned for a higher cost of carbon dioxide emissions, which is expected to increase as federal regulations tighten. (St. Cloud Times)

6.30.13 // Fox 9 anchor Heidi Collins interviewed policy associate Ross Abbey regarding common myths surrounding the transition to plug-in electric vehicles. (Fox 9)

6.26.13 // What will new climate plan mean in Minnesota? Three experts read the tea leaves “And we’re a little bit stuck now,” J. Drake Hamilton said. “The utilities have had flat demand growth for the last few years. We don’t need new power plants. And it’s much more straightforward to invest in renewables when you’re growing and adding capacity to meet rising demand.” (MinnPost)

6.26.13 // Minnesota Power to take a hit from Obama’s emissions plan “We’ve already learned in Minnesota that energy efficiency, using less energy and adding more solar and wind energy can replace coal-fired power plants,” said J. Drake Hamilton. “Minnesota Power’s Boswell 4 plant produces something like 6 million tons of carbon dioxide each year. It’s the second-largest source in Minnesota.” (Duluth News Tribune)

6.26.13 // Minnesota utilities on track to exceed goals of Obama’s climate plan ‘As for environmental groups, they are generally applauding Obama’s initiative. Fresh Energy’s director of science policy, J. Drake Hamilton, called it the latest in the administration’s “steady and responsible steps” to reduce pollution.’ (Minnesota Public Radio)

6.26.13 // Minnesota likely out in front of carbon emissions, climate change mandates “The really great lesson from the electric sector is that by investing in clean energy and energy efficiency, you can also cut carbon pollution,” said J. Drake Hamilton. “And we need to find out how to do that in other parts of the economy.” (Star Tribune)

6.22.13 // Ross Abbey discusses expanding solar access to Minnesotans of all backgrounds Ross Abbey discussed solar accessibility and barriers to adoption on Green Rock Radio (AM950).

5.31.13 // New Minn. solar mandate seen as boost for fledgling alternative energy industry “We think it’s a good step forward down what we call the road to clean energy,” said J. Drake Hamilton. “This is going to maximize the potential for business owners and residents in Minnesota to have access to solar power generation.” (Associated Press, The Republic)

5.30.13 // Thanks to state law, solar panels are likely to be a more common sight “We think it’s a good step forward down what we call the road to clean energy,” said J. Drake Hamilton. “This is going to maximize the potential for business owners and residents in Minnesota to have access to solar power generation.” (Associated Press, St. Cloud Times)

5.29.13 // How other states are taking out insurance on the biggest risk of all Fresh Energy and Midwest Energy News are mentioned at Next Generation’s California Energy & Climate News in a piece about Minnesota’s groundbreaking new solar policies.

5.7.13 // Clean energy on the table: Advocates pushing for legislation this session Advocates from Fresh Energy, Riverland Community College, the Izaak Walton League, and the Audubon Society discussed potential legislation at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center with a huge focus on increased solar energy within the next two decades. (Austin Daily Herald)

5.3.13 // The state of renewable energy in Minnesota Erin Stojan Ruccolo joined Amanda Bilek (from the Great Plains Institute) on North Shore Community Radio (90.7FM) to talk about ideas and initiatives for making renewable energy a larger part of Minnesota’s energy base.

4.25.13 // Green groups push for review of Iron Range power plant plans Minnesota Power has proposed a $350 million retrofit to extend the life of its 585-megawatt Boswell Energy Center Unit 4 power plant until 2036, but environmentalist groups would rather it be shut down in 2016 and replaced with cleaner alternatives. “It’s an outdated notion,” said J. Drake Hamilton. (Pioneer Press)

4.23.13 // Wind power requirement proposal goes to state lawmakers “We think it’s time to nudge the standard forward,” said J. Drake Hamilton. “What we’re finding is that it’s interesting that Minnesota has a better solar resource than any other state in the Upper Midwest … but very far behind in how much we’ve actually developed.” (Mankato Free Press)

4.23.13 // Good Question: Is ‘Global Warming’ The Wrong Term To Use? Michael Noble was features on WCCO’s Good Question.

4.10.13 //  Is your building an energy hog? (login required) “It’s a great way for Minneapolis to show it is a leader in pushing forward energy savings for buildings,” said Alison Lindburg. “It’s great that we are the first Midwest city to pass the ordinance.” (Finance & Commerce)

4.8.13 // McKnight fights climate change with $25 million in grants “The Midwest is historically the industrial heartland. Also the agricultural heartland. Also the most carbon-dependent part of the country,” Michael Noble said. “But we also have vast renewable energy resources. The wind energy is phenomenal. We have the best, cheapest solutions. And we’re also the part of the country that is the middle of the country politically. I think people believe that as goes the Midwest, so goes the nation on energy and climate policy. If they can do it in [the Midwest], that will set the bar for America.” (Star Tribune)

4.6.13 // Ross Abbey discussed solar policy on Green Rock Radio (AM950).

3.25.13 // Ethan Fawley explains the State Capitol transit debates on a Streets.MN podcast.

3.5.13 // J. Drake Hamilton stopped by The Nancy Nelson Show on AM950 to discuss the latest developments on clean energy at the Minnesota Capitol.

3.5.13 // Group ups ante on renewable energy In 2007, Minnesota set a standard of roughly 25 percent from renewable sources by 2025, and “now we must build on that foundation and take a next big step forward,” said Michael Noble. (Pioneer Press)

3.5.13 // Advocates want tougher renewable energy standard in Minn.  “We want to build both on our legacy of clean renewable energy from wind power, and we want to start a new commitment to make solar energy as successful, prosperous and economic as wind energy already is,” Michael Noble said. (Minnesota Public Radio)

3.1.13 // 1 percent sales tax for transit proposed (login required) “There is a lot of excitement around Dayton’s proposal, but we also recognize that it’s really connected to the sales-tax base broadening that has received more of a mixed reception,” Ethan Fawley said. “What we’re saying is, ‘Let’s have a conversation about the sales tax specifically.’” (Finance & Commerce)

3.1.13 // Duluth-based Minnesota Power files clean energy plan Customers have a significant role in determining a power company’s direction, according to J. Drake Hamilton, the science policy director for Fresh Energy. “Customers must push them to maximize efficiency and energy savings now,” Hamilton said. (Duluth News Tribune)

2.27.13 // Minnesota Public Radio presents “Bill McKibben and J. Drake Hamilton on climate change“ Minnesota Public Radio broadcast the speeches of Bill McKibben and J. Drake Hamilton from a February 20 event at the University of St. Thomas entitled “Celebrating and Preserving Winter: Responding to Climate Change in Minnesota and Wisconsin.”

2.10.13 // Even after shutdowns, coal power still a mainstay in Minnesota “Within a few years we are going to see a limit on the carbon pollution from those plants,” said J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director for Fresh Energy, a St. Paul-based nonprofit that supports renewable energy. “It is not a static situation. The climate science has been clear for many years. Wise utilities are listening.” (Star Tribune)

1.30.13 // Another utility cuts back on coal “We think it is a really good resolution,” said J. Drake Hamilton. “They are going to take out 50- and 60-year-old coal plants and modernize to clean energy.” (Star Tribune)

1.30.13 // Minnesota Power to convert Hoyt Lakes coal plant to gas “We’re concerned about them investing more of their ratepayers’ money in an old energy source that may not be around very long,” said J. Drake Hamilton. “The state’s goal is to reduce carbon emissions by at least 30 percent by 2025, and there’s no way to do that without phasing out more old coal plants.” (Duluth News Tribune)

1.28.13 // Solar power growth in Minnesota faces generation gap ‘The state may never get to this maximum potential, said Will Nissen, a policy analyst with the nonprofit Fresh Energy. But it is a useful reference “ceiling” for policymakers if they’re trying to measure solar energy’s potential, he said.’ (Pioneer Press)

1.22.13 // State’s greenhouse gas emissions dip slightly J. Drake Hamilton notes a new report—that shows Minnesota’s greenhouse gas emissions fell about 3 percent from 2005 through 2010—did not address the gap between current emissions and the longer-term goal of a 30 percent reduction by 2025. However, the report did show the greatest emissions reductions in the past five years came in the sectors that have the most emissions—electricity production and transportation. “To get the biggest bang for your buck, you have to start with those sectors,” she said. (Star Tribune)

1.14.13 // Rising temps could change landscape of Midwest “Minnesotans are already beginning to notice climate change. Really beginning to notice,” said J. Drake Hamilton. “These will be unpleasant quality-of-life changes we’re talking about.” (Star Tribune)

1.13.13 // National climate assessment sparks discussion J. Drake Hamilton stopped by KFAI to talk with Flor Frey and Mike Fischbein about a major federal report.

1.10.13 // Effort to revise building code raises old issues (login required) “It’s huge because it’s going to be a guarantee to homeowners that they know they are going to have low utility bills,” said senior policy associate Alison Lindburg. (Finance & Commerce)

1.8.13 // Xcel Energy clarifies wind energy position after lobbyist implies doubt “What I want is thoughtful, sustainable public policy that robustly develops wind power, because it’s by far our lowest-cost, carbon-free new energy resource” said Michael Noble. (Pioneer Press)

12.8.12 // Xcel Energy deals with the cost of conservation “It’s very good for our state and the economy to have companies and homes use energy more efficiently,” Michael Noble said. (Pioneer Press)

12.1.12 // Forum explores climate change  “We’ve been getting really positive responses,” J. Drake Hamilton said. “People have lots of questions and lots of ideas. It’s actually been very inspiring.” (St. Cloud Times)

11.20.12 // One-party rule doesn’t guarantee unity on issues of environment and energy “It’s going to be a difficult session, no question, with maybe 60 or 70 percent of the oxygen in the room taken up by the budget – very serious economic and structural problems,” said Michael Noble.

11.14.12 // Concordia to host clean energy public forum The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead profiled the upcoming clean energy forum with Will Steger and J. Drake Hamilton at Concordia College on November 26.

11.13.12 // Will Steger, J. Drake Hamilton to speak at WSU today about climate change and clean-energy investment The Winona Daily News profiled the November 13 clean energy forum with Will Steger and J. Drake Hamilton.

11.13.12 // Will Steger to speak at WSU today about climate change The La Crosse Tribune  profiled the November 13 clean energy forum with Will Steger and J. Drake Hamilton in Winona, Minnesota.

11.12.12 // J. Drake Hamilton of Fresh Energy & polar explorer Lonnie Dupre discuss climate change WTIP radio featured an hour-long program on global warming and clean energy.

11.10.12 // Polar explorer, scientist, bishop to address climate change The New Ulm Journal profiled an upcoming clean energy forum with Will Steger and J. Drake Hamilton.

11.7.12 // What do politics hold for climate change?  It’s “the biggest single step the U.S. has taken to date to reduce carbon pollution” said J. Drake Hamilton, in reference to President Obama’s mandate to increase the fuel efficiency of new cars and light trucks to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.

11.2.12 // Polar explorer Steger to speak on clean energy, climate The Brainerd Daily Dispatch profiled the upcoming clean energy forum with J. Drake Hamilton in Baxter, Minnesota.

10.29.12 // J. Drake Hamilton joined Dale Connelly on KFAI’s The Morning Blend to talk about coal, Xcel Energy, and the Sherco power plants.

10.25.12 // PUC asked to push Xcel over retiring coal plants “There’s very strong public opinion that we move faster,” said J. Drake Hamilton in the Pioneer Press. Suggestions to delay a study until 2014 “would be kicking the can down the road,” she said.

10.3.12 // Otter Tail Power wants to delay retirement of coal-fired Hoot Lake plant “This is a delay that does not have to happen,” J. Drake Hamilton said to the Pioneer Press.

10.2.12 // Xcel stands behind Sherco “They say we can’t live without coal plants, but we’ve lived without the biggest one and done very well,” said J. Drake Hamilton to Finance & Commerce. (subscription required)

8.27.12 // Is cooling the house heating up the planet? “When we switch to using more air conditioning we’re using more energy, so we’re causing more coal to be burned,” Hamilton said. “And in effect we’re contributing to a vicious cycle,” said J. Drake Hamilton in this MPR piece.

8.21.12 // Appeals court blocks EPA rule on cross-state pollution The EPA ruling “will surely be challenged on behalf of states that are forced to bear an enormous public health burden because of these power plants upwind from them,” said J. Drake Hamilton to the Pioneer Press.

8.14.12 // Xcel Energy ponders future of coal “We have to make sure we’re not putting millions into plants that won’t be running for many more years,” said J. Drake Hamilton to Finance & Commerce. (Login required.)

8.9.12 // MN Power gets more time to shut coal plant “There is overwhelming analytical support and lots of public input that continuing to operate those 50 and 60-year-old coal plants, that are very dirty, isn’t in the public interest for economic reasons and health reasons,” said J. Drake Hamilton in this MPR piece.

8.9.12 // Electricity study aims to keep Minnesota lights on Michael Noble was quoted in this MinnPost story and said the region’s aging coal plants “face hundreds of millions of dollars in upgrades and may not be economically viable to meet modern air-quality requirements. Alternatives are going to be more economical than (throwing) good money after bad.”

8.8.12 // Smart Minnesota public utility smartly votes to shutter coal plant Grist picked up a story from Midwest Energy News that quoted J. Drake Hamilton. “It’s not like you scoop out a nice even ice-cream scoop out of the ground. The geology is much more complicated than that, so as you go deeper … the costs are going up,” said Hamilton.

 8.8.12 // Regulators weigh cost of coal “It’s a mystery to me why this company is not taking a harder look at the options that are available to them when there are cleaner and less costly options than running these coal plants,” said J. Drake Hamilton in Finance & Commerce.

8.8.12 // Minnesota ponders fate of aging coal-burning power plants “We believe the commission should find that continued operation of those older units at Laskin and Taconite Harbor is not in the public interest,” said J. Drake Hamilton in this Star Tribune piece about how Minnesota regulators are facing the thorny question of whether to shut down aging coal-burning power plants.

8.8.12 // Rochester’s coal-fired power plant to go dark Science policy director J. Drake Hamilton was quoted in this Star Tribune piece about the Rochester public utilities board of directors’ decision to retire the state’s oldest operating coal plant.

6.19.12 // Are we wildly underestimating solar and wind power? Ezra Klein linked to Michael Noble’s post about renewable energy predictions on his Washington Post blog,

6.13.12 // Environmentalist groups want Xcel to look beyond coal Fresh Energy’s press release was picked up by the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

5.27.12 // The biggest climate victory you never heard of Michael Noble was quoted in this Aljazeera story about the decline of coal in the United States. ‘Stopping new coal may be “the most significant achievement of American environmentalists since the passage of the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act” in 1970,’ he said.

5.9.12 // Minnesota coal-fired power plant may be on the chopping block Fargo’s WDAY news picked up an Associated Press story first featured in the Pioneer Press about coal-fired power plants that face retirement. Michael Noble was quoted in the article.

5.5.12 // The end of the line for Minnesota’s coal plants? Utilities are facing decisions about what to do with their oldest and dirtiest coal-fired power plants in the face of coming environmental regulations and concerns about greenhouse gases associated with climate change. Michael Noble was quoted in this Pioneer Press article about the possible transition to natural gas.

5.1.12 // Commentary Fresh Energy and J. Drake Hamilton were highlighted in a Duluth News Tribune commentary about a forum at the University of Minnesota Duluth to discuss the future of Minnesota Power-owned coal plants.

4.22.12 // This Earth Day, imagine a new energy economy Michael Noble wrote an Earth Day post for Minnpost. “What Earth Day needs is a credible narrative that the world can change the old energy economy for a better one that solves our world’s most pressing economic and security challenges — and is good for the environment to boot,” he said.

4.11.12 // Minnesota Power looks to the future of renewable energy J. Drake Hamilton was quoted in a story about a clean energy forum in Duluth with Minnesota Power. “Right now we’re shipping money out of the state to buy coal from other states, bringing it in by train and we’re trying to think of a transition that will work better for Minnesota,” Hamilton said.

4.6.12 // Almanac North J. Drake Hamilton was a guest on Almanac North in April to talk about Minnesota’s energy future.

4.3.12 // BLOG: J. Drake Hamilton plans discussion on state’s clean energy future The Bemidji Pioneer highlighted an upcoming clean energy forum featuring J. Drake Hamilton.

4.3.12 // UMD forum focuses on future of coal-fired electricity The Duluth News Tribune highlighted an upcoming clean energy forum in Duluth featuring J. Drake Hamilton and Minnesota Power.

2.27.12 // Natural gas: A cleaner source of energy for Minnesota’s future J. Drake Hamilton was interviewed in this Public News Service story about natural gas. “We get almost 60 percent of our electricity from burning coal, and when we replace that with natural gas, we cut the mercury emissions to zero and the carbon pollution by 50 percent. It’s a much better, much cleaner fuel.”

1.30.12 // Dayton Blasts GOP Lawmakers for Refusing Commissioner Michael Noble was quoted in a FOX9 news segment about Ellen Anderson and the Senate’s vote to remove her from her position as PUC chair. “Anderson has managed the commission’s business with professionalism and efficiency, and her long tenure on key legislative committees offers the state an unusually deep understanding of energy and consumer issues,” Noble said.

1.30.12 // Dayton blasts GOP senators as ‘unfit to govern’ Michael Noble was quoted in this Star Tribune piece about the Minnesota Senate’s firing of PUC chair Ellen Anderson. “I think that the politics of clean energy is not bipartisan the way it used to be,” said Noble, who interpreted Monday’s vote as a sign of strength by coal and oil interests who “don’t like the state’s energy policy.”

1.22.12 // Reader’s view: Minnesotans need to work for clean, healthy energy future J. Drake Hamilton wrote a letter to the editor at the Duluth News Tribune that urged Minnesotans to talk about the best ways to move the state to a cleaner, cheaper, more efficiency energy future.

12.22.11 // EPA announces landmark mercury standards for power plants J. Drake Hamilton was interviewed for a Public News Service story about the EPA’s historic issuance of the nation’s first-ever nationwide standards for mercury and toxic air pollution.

12.10.11 // Faith community is joining the climate discussion J. Drake Hamilton was quoted in this Grand Rapids Herald-Review article about her talk with Will Steger and Minnesota’s renewable energy potential. “That is part of the success story of what we’re talking about this evening,” said Hamilton. “Why has Minnesota been able to build so much wind power into its system in a very short period of time? One of the reasons is that many, many Minnesotans demanded it.”

12.7.11 // Arctic Explorer Steger Treks through MN to Talk Climate Change Public News Service interviewed Will Steger and J. Drake Hamilton in advance of their speaking engagements in Princeton and Grand Rapids, Minnesota on December 7 and 8.

11.28.11 // Minn. utilities don’t want more coal power from ND Minnesota Public Radio interviewed J. Drake Hamilton for a story about North Dakota’s push to sell coal power to Minnesota. Hamilton said North Dakota has better energy options than coal and should focus on them instead.

11.21.11 // Minnesota Power looks at less coal The Duluth News Tribune interviewed J. Drake Hamilton about the PUC’s request that Minnesota Power re-figure its future energy demand and generation. “This isn’t about shutting down coal plants and not replacing them with anything,’’ Hamilton said. “It’s about keeping the lights on and the hospitals running, but doing it at reasonable price, doing it as you create jobs in Minnesota and making Minnesota air a little cleaner.”

11.14.11 // ‘Revenge of the Electric Car’ screening tonight in Minneapolis The Pioneer Press wrote a story on our special film screening with the film’s director.

11.13.11 // Minnesota philanthropy magazine MNSIGHTS highlighted Philanthropedia’s list of 18 high-impact Minnesota environmental nonprofits, an impressive list that includes Fresh Energy at  number four.

11.13.11 // Fresh Energy was listed as one of the top 18 high-impact nonprofits that protect Minnesota’s environment in New York Times Magazine.

11.3.11 // Fresh Energy: #4 Expert-Identified Environmental Nonprofit in Minnesota Fresh Energy placed fourth on Philanthropedia’s list of the highest-impact environmental nonprofits in Minnesota.

11.2.11 // Discussion On Clean Air Scheduled In Rochester KAAL-TV highlighted a forum on clean air in Rochester that featured J. Drake Hamilton.

10.21.11 // Poll: The EPA, Not Congress Should Determine Air Pollution Standards J. Drake Hamilton was featured in this story about a new poll that found that 75 percent of voters believe the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should be in charge of regulating air pollution, not Congress.

10.13.11 // More small-scale, local clean energy in Minnesota? Twin Cities Daily Planet picked up a piece from Powering Progress on distributed generation (a system of small, local energy-generation projects—like small wind turbines or solar panels).

9.7.11 // Compact fluorescents not the only light of the future Midwest Energy News‘s Ken Paulman wrote a piece for Miller-McCune about the supposed light bulb “ban.” “There’s a legitimate discussion to be had about the effectiveness of light bulb efficiency standards and the potential for undesired consequences. But it’s also important to have a little perspective,” he said.

8.11.11 // Different times call for different St. Croix bridge Transportation policy director Ethan Fawley wrote a commentary on the St. Croix bridge that was published in the Star Tribune. “Regardless of the final solution, the bridge decision cannot be made based on what the world was like in 2003,” said Ethan.

8.9.11 // City Council is considering new plans to make Northfield roads ‘complete’ Fresh Energy was mentioned in this Northfield News article about Northfield’s work toward implementing Complete Streets.

7.29.11 //Obama, automakers agree to double fuel efficiency FOX9 news interviewed transportation director Ethan Fawley for a story about new fuel efficiency standards. “It’s certainly a huge day for everyone,” said Fawley.

7.13.11 // Light bulb rhetoric becomes overheated as Congress rejects repeal Fresh Energy’s Ken Paulman was quoted in an article about the so-called “light bulb wars” on Poynter.org: “The language that’s been used by the politicians finds its way into the coverage, because people don’t go back and actually look at what the law does,” said Paulman. “There’s no language in there that says you can’t buy an incandescent bulb,” Paulman said. “A narrative emerged that simply wasn’t true.”

7.7.11 // Cleaning messes On July 7, the EPA finalized the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule to reduce harmful emissions from coal-fired power plants. Fresh Energy’s J. Drake Hamilton applauded the long-overdue rule, which falls under the “Good Neighbor” provision of the Clean Air Act. It will help 28 states in the eastern half of the United States reduce air pollution from outside their borders by leveling the playing field among power plant emitters.

6.28.11 // Complete Streets: Sharing the Road Transportation policy director Ethan Fawley was quoted in this Hopkins Patch story about the city of Hopkins’ pursuit of complete streets. “Complete Streets means that our streets are planned to be safe and accessible for pedestrians, transit riders, bicyclists and drivers. It is for all users, regardless of age or ability,” said Fawley.

6.3.11 // Clean air advocates predict more respiratory issues if ozone standards not lowered Science policy director J. Drake Hamilton was quoted in this MPR story about increased respiratory problems due to coal-fired power and the need for the federal government to toughen ozone standards.

6.1.11 // Minnesota attorney general says poor, elderly suffer under CenterPoint’s pricing policy Clean energy director Linda Taylor provided information for a story about CenterPoint’s inverted block rate pricing, a program designed to encourage energy efficiency that has come under attack by the attorney general. “Other states, including New York, have used inverted block rates for years and structure the rates so they don’t hurt the poor or elderly,” said Taylor.

5.30.11 // Business people Fresh Energy’s current and newly-elected board of directors were listed in the Star Tribune’s business section.

5.29.11 // Minnesota above average in pedestrian safety; rural areas deadlier Ethan Fawley was quoted in this Alexandria Echo Press article about a new report released by Transportation for America that highlighted the need for investment in pedestrian safety. “Mn/DOT and seventeen local Minnesota communities have already stepped up with Complete Streets policies to make their roads safer for everyone, including pedestrians. But there is still much work to be done to improve safety for people walking and we need the federal government as a strong leader and partner for that effort,” said Fawley.

5.18.11 // Xcel Energy CEO Richard Kelly to retire “I tip my hat to Dick Kelly for bringing Xcel into the 21st century,” said executive director Michael Noble in this Pioneer Press article about the retirement of Xcel Energy’s CEO.

5.16.11 //New report outlines seven tools for improving transportation system “Minnesota has long strived to be a leader in transportation,” said Transportation policy director Ethan Fawley in this Alexandria Echo Press article. “But we still need to do more, including more bus rapid transit, better coordinated planning, and better local street connectivity.”

5.11.11 // House passes bill to allow coal-generated electricity purchases Executive director Michael Noble was quoted in a Politics in Minnesota article about the passage of the coal rollbacks bill in the Minnesota House. “It’s now up to Governor Dayton to veto this bill and continue our transition away from expensive, dirty fuels of the past and toward cleaner energy for Minnesota families and businesses.”

5.10.11 // Solar energy not as bright in Minnesota Clean energy director Linda Taylor was quoted in a Finance & Commerce article about the shortcomings in Minnesota’s solar energy incentive program.

5.30.11 // Light bulb wars and the MOA parking ramp Senior policy associate Kate Ellis served as a source for a post on MPR’s The Cities about the Mall of America’s new LED parking ramp lights.

4.20.11 // Study claims energy mandates will cost state billions Executive director Michael Noble was quoted in a Finance & Commerce article about Minnesota’s renewable energy standard and the Minnesota Free Market Institute’s assertion that the standard drives up energy costs. Michael said the Institute does ” a very poor job of understanding our electrical system.”

4.19.11 // On energy and the environment, Michael Noble keeps politicians honest Don Shelby profiled executive director Michael Noble for a piece in MinnPost, and along with its critique of the Minnesota Senate’s vote to unravel part of the Next Generation Energy Act, the article included high praise for Noble. Shelby said he “knows more about energy, global warming, state law and the environment than any of our elected officials.”

4.15.11 // Minnesota Senate lifts curbs on new coal-fired power plants “We’re moving in the wrong direction” said Executive Director Michael Noble in response to the Minnesota Senate’s approval of a law that frees utilities from offsetting emissions from new coal. “We’re rolling back part of the foundation of our energy policy.”

4.15.11 // Minnesota Senate votes to lift coal plant restrictions Executive director Michael Noble was quoted in an Associated Press piece that was picked up by the Forum of Fargo-Moorhead, the Bismarck Tribune, CBS moneywatch.com, and businessweek.com. “It doesn’t make sense to encourage more dirty energy while we accelerate smart investment in clean energy,” said Michael.

3.19.11 // Report finds air pollution harms Minnesota fish & wildlife Science policy director J. Drake Hamilton was quoted in this Review Messenger article about a National Wildlife Federation report that found a number of wildlife species important to Minnesota’s hunters and anglers are being harmed by toxic air pollution and climate change. “Congress needs to update safeguards in the Clean Air Act, to cut down on the enormous health costs caused by air pollution.”

5.30.11 // Minnesota legislators receive coal lump for efforts to roll back pollution standards The Uptake covered a press conference held by concerned legislators and environmental allies (including Fresh Energy executive director Michael Noble) to bring attention to the damaging effects of HF72 and SF86, bills that would roll back an important piece of Minnesota’s clean energy policy and allow new coal pollution in the state.

5.30.11 // Before he cuts funds to global warming research, state senator should check his science (3/7/11) – Executive director Michael Noble writes a commentary for MPR news about how the chairman of the Minnesota Senate Environment Committee thinks global warming is a “farce” and the multitude of scientific societies that disagree.

3.2.11 // Readers write for Wednesday, March 2: Tar sands and pipeline safety Executive director Michael Noble and Marty Cobenais, pipeline organizer for the Indigenous Environmental Network, discuss tar sands and pipeline safety in this letter to the editor published in the Star Tribune.

2.7.11 // Woodbury retail center goes solar Clean energy director Linda Taylor was quoted in a Pioneer Press article about a new solar project in Woodbury, and what will be the largest solar project on any shopping center in the Upper Midwest. “Every big-box retailer and most shopping centers are prime spots,” she said.

1.25.11 // Minn. Republicans hope to undo clean energy policies Clean energy director Linda Taylor was quoted in a story about a number of repeals the Minnesota legislature is considering. “The whole system is moving beyond this almost silly discussion we’re having in Minnesota about whether or not we’re going to build nuclear power plants or coal power plants,” Taylor said. “We’re kind of behind the times I think on these things.”

1.24.11 // Izaak Walton League official tapped to head state energy division Executive director Michael Noble comments on the appointment of Bill Grant as head of the Office of Energy Security. “Nobody knows Minnesota’s energy policy like Bill Grant,” said Michael.