and what we’re looking forward to in 2026.
It has been a challenging year for clean energy and climate progress as we faced rollbacks to federal programs and gridlock at the state legislature. But Fresh Energy has not backed down on our commitment to equitably decarbonize Minnesota’s economy.
In 2025, the work of our policy analysts, advocates, and regulatory experts proved that Minnesotans can (and will) keep making meaningful change on clean energy and climate policy while also defending the climate progress we’ve already made together and alongside partners, donors, and stakeholders. Here are a few of our favorite moments from 2025, in no particular order.
1. 100% law was protected at the Minnesota Legislature
Minnesota’s landmark 100% clean electricity law faced several rollback attempts during the 2025 legislative session, but none moved forward. Fresh Energy and our partners testified, mobilized our Action Network, and met directly with legislators to make clear that Minnesotans support a carbon-free future. Thanks to steadfast advocacy, no changes were adopted, and Minnesota’s electric utilities remain firmly on track to reach 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040.
2. Energy efficiency and electrification were advanced in Xcel Energy’s first gas innovation plan
Early this year, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission supported zero-carbon technologies by ordering additional energy efficiency and electrification measures in Xcel Energy’s first Natural Gas Innovation Act portfolio — a decision advocated for by Fresh Energy and partners. This forward-looking decision to invest in scalable, climate-friendly technologies to support electrification and energy efficiency to meet Minnesota’s heating needs and decarbonization targets, should be important elements of all gas utility innovation plans.
3. Minnesota’s electricity is 50% carbon free
Minnesota hit a major milestone as its electricity sector emissions are down 50% from 2005, putting us halfway to full decarbonization thanks to innovative policies like the 2007 Next Generation Energy Act and the 100% clean electricity law. Electricity was once the state’s largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. But by shifting away from coal toward carbon-free sources like wind and solar, as well as natural gas, our state’s GHG emissions have declined. This pattern isn’t just happening in Minnesota, but in the Midwest’s regional electric grid, too.
4. Worked to increase demand for materials with low-embodied carbon
Fresh Energy staff engaged in the Buy Clean (Environmental Standards and Procurement Task Force) to provide feedback on the group’s first legislative report which made recommendations for implementation of a state Buy Clean initiative, designed to increase demand for materials, such as clean steel or clean concrete, with low embodied carbon.
5. Regulators approved more renewables in Xcel Energy’s final long-range plan
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission authorized Xcel Energy to build 6,080 megawatts (MW) of new wind, solar, and battery storage by 2030, as well as the utility’s first utility-led distributed battery storage program. Fresh Energy and our partners Clean Grid Alliance, Sierra Club, and Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) provided a technical analysis which scrutinized Xcel’s proposal to build six new gas plants. Ultimately, the Commission approved a plan to build more renewables and storage instead.
6. Helped families visualize gas stove pollution and change to cleaner cooking
Fresh Energy partnered with Clean Heat Minnesota partner Ayada Leads to help four families monitor the air in their kitchens and see firsthand the pollution released by gas stoves. Participants watched pollutant levels spike during cooking with our air monitor project, then learned about simple steps like ventilation or trying induction to reduce pollution exposure. The project empowered community members with data, sparked real behavior changes, and helped participants become advocates for cleaner, healthier homes.
7. Xcel’s automatic bill credit pilot was approved
Fresh Energy supported a first-of-its-kind pilot project from Xcel Energy that automatically enrolls high energy-burdened Minnesotans into the utility’s affordability programs. The automatic bill credit program provides direct bill credits to an estimated 17,000 households across 63 communities and eliminates the time-consuming application process that keeps many eligible households from receiving assistance. Fresh Energy joined partners Sabathani Community Center, UNIDOS MN, Community Stabilization Project, and more in signing a petition at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission in support of this innovative, equity-focused program.
8. Electrification pilot projects providing clean heat got green light
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved two Xcel Energy electrification and energy efficiency pilot projects that help advance zero-carbon energy efficiency and electrification. These innovative pilot projects, which Fresh Energy and partners filed comments in support of, will help Minnesota decarbonize how we heat our buildings by reducing climate pollution, improving air quality, and lowering households’ energy burdens.
9. Xcel Energy’s new Residential Time of Use rate took a paced approach
Fresh Energy has been engaged in Xcel Energy’s Residential Time of Use rate docket since early 2024. This year, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission heard the docket and made some positive decisions based on Fresh Energy’s recommendations, ensuring a paced approach that prioritizes Xcel Energy’s customers.
10. Secured a new EV charging pilot program in Minnesota Power territory
Fresh Energy and partners advocated and secured approval for a new $2 million Minnesota Power pilot aimed at expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging access for multifamily residents. The program, developed at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, will cover most of the “behind-the-meter” costs for multifamily homes to install EV chargers, as well as rebates for purchasing up to three Level 2 chargers. It also supports workplace and public charging solutions to serve residents without off-street parking.
11. Urged FERC to reject effort to derail Midwest power grid upgrades
Fresh Energy and our partners filed a protest at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) urging it to reject a complaint that would undermine MISO’s long-planned portfolio of 24 new transmission lines, which underpin a clean, affordable, and reliable electricity system. These proposed transmission lines will provide $26-83 billion in customer benefits over 40 years, and our staff joined regional and national public interest organizations to advocate for preserving this critical, multi-year planning effort and against its preferential treatment for gas-burning power plants.
12. Landmark moment in the residential energy code update process
Fresh Energy has been deeply engaged in Minnesota’s latest residential energy code update process since it began in 2022. This summer, the residential energy Technical Advisory Group (TAG), of which Fresh Energy was part of, finished its review of the 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) for adoption in Minnesota. The TAG’s code recommendation makes substantial improvements to how Minnesota’s buildings are constructed, which can substantially lower emissions and operating costs.
13. Promoted industrial innovation in food systems
Fresh Energy is working to reach new groups to engage in and apply for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s new Climate Smart Food Systems program, which will distribute $200 million in grants. Of those funds, $60 million will be dedicated to industrial innovation projects.
14. Data center policy package became law
In partnership with wide range of stakeholders, Fresh Energy successfully advocated for a data center policy package that included consumer, grid reliability, and environmental protections. This law is one of the first of its strength in the country, laying the groundwork for maximizing public benefits as data centers expand their footprint in Minnesota.
15. Urged Minnesota to end gas line extension incentives in Future of Gas docket
Fresh Energy and our partner Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) urged regulators to end outdated gas line extension incentives that drive costly and subsidized expansions to our polluting natural gas system our buildings use for heating. We also coordinated with 15 Clean Heat Minnesota member organizations to file their own comments highlighting health risks, climate impacts, and rising ratepayer costs tied to continued gas investment. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s decision is still forthcoming, and Fresh Energy is looking forward to continued engagement on this into 2026.
16. Minnesota continued to lead MISO’s Tranche 1 portfolio of projects
The Northland Reliability Transmission Line project, an approximately 180-mile, double-circuit 345-kV transmission line, was approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Fresh Energy and partners filed comments in support of this line for its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance system reliability during the clean energy transition, and improve the deliverability of both wind and solar resources from the Dakotas to Minnesota.
17. New coalition formed to advance accessible, climate-forward buildings
The Minnesota Efficient Builders Coalition, a statewide alliance of builders, designers, and industry professionals housed at Fresh Energy, launched with the goal of advancing accessible, sustainable, and climate-forward buildings policy across Minnesota. The coalition will focus on improving building efficiency and performance, engaging on building codes, advancing building decarbonization and electrification policy, and promoting education and training for the building workforce.
18. Thought leadership at the State Capitol
Fresh Energy staff are deeply engaged at the Minnesota Legislature and this year, staff provided 12 in-person testimonies and 39 letters of written testimony filed across a myriad of issues ranging from defending Minnesota’s 100% clean electricity law, responsibly developing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), fully funding geothermal planning grants for local governments, defending clean transportation policies and funding, ensuring a broad-based public policy approach to data centers, and beyond.
19. Organization-wide engagement to update Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework
Throughout 2025, Fresh Energy staff from all sectors of our clean energy and energy transition policy work have been engaging in working groups to support the update of Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework. Expected in early 2026, this updated framework will set a vision for how our state will address and prepare for climate change.
20. Advanced clean energy progress through collaboration with fellows and interns
This year, Fresh Energy welcomed a large group of fellows and interns into our organization and collaborated with them to help foster their learning and development on a variety of topics from critical minerals and mining, to environmental justice, to clean energy funding, and beyond. Through partnerships like this with The University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs, the Capitol Pathways program of the Citizens League, and St. Catherine University, Fresh Energy is helping to cultivate clean energy leaders of the future.
21. Reduced Minnesota’s EV fee hike, though more progress is needed
Fresh Energy advocated for Minnesota lawmakers to reduce their increased annual fees on electric vehicle (EV) owners, as well as unnecessary cuts to transit funding and an attempt to roll back a nation-leading climate impacts of highway bill. Fresh Energy also urged lawmakers to consider equity and helped introduce a measure to minimize harm to affordable EVs by tying fees to vehicle MSRP, which ultimately passed. Despite the setback, Fresh Energy built stronger relationships with transportation climate advocacy groups, setting the stage for fruitful collaboration among transit, active transportation, and electrification groups.
22. Provided thought leadership on industrial transformation
Through speaking events and forums, including the Geologic Hydrogen Summit held in Duluth and the MITI Forum hosted by the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Initiative (NRRI), Fresh Energy is in collaborative conversations with organizations and government agencies from around the country about the potential for clean fuel pathways and industrial transformation opportunities.
23. Attended COP30, the annual global climate conference
Fresh Energy’s J. Drake Hamilton attended COP30 virtually this year, in which parties made progress on climate resilience and adaptation financing, building a just transition, and financing for nature and forests. J. wrote a daily blog with an inside peek into day-to-day negotiations and climate progress being made.
24. Took action on proposed federal rollback of vehicle emissions standards
This summer, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it was proposing a rulemaking to strip out greenhouse gas emission requirements from federal vehicle emissions standards for passenger vehicles and commercial medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Fresh Energy strongly opposed this effort to stall climate action and co-filed formal comments to the EPA in partnership with the Coalition for Clean Transportation. Fresh Energy also helped nearly 100 concerned Minnesotans speak up by filing a public comment.
25. Renew Highway 2 Tour brought clean energy conversations to northwest Minnesota
Fresh Energy hit the road with a two-day Renew Highway 2 Tour with events in Bemidji and Crookston to spark conversations about clean energy and rural economic development. Community members, local leaders, and clean energy professionals gathered to explore how renewable energy, workforce development, and transmission planning can strengthen northwest Minnesota’s economy. The tour deepened relationships across the region and highlighted real projects — like solar workforce training and Crookston’s emerging clean energy initiatives — that show rural communities are benefiting from the energy transition.
Looking ahead…
As we look ahead to our ambitious goals for 2026, it’s clear that taking on the climate crisis is more critical than ever. We have a federal government determined to give fossil fuels a second life and erode our fundamental trust in science.
Reaching net-zero by 2050 requires unmatched investments in the grid, renewables, and technologies for hard-to-decarbonize sectors of the economy. We also must grapple with complex technological, environmental, and societal challenges. At Fresh Energy, our expert staff know that we can take on these challenges and win. As we plan for next year, here are just a few things we are already working on:
- Ensuring Minnesota continues to stay on track to achieve our historic 100% clean electricity law by supporting the development of new renewable energy projects, planning and constructing the grid of the future, guaranteeing equitable access to clean energy programs, and defending the progress we’ve made.
- Continuing to provide policy leadership on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by helping guide tax credit language at the Minnesota Legislature to incentivize the lowest-emission SAF while safeguarding against fossil interests.
- Collaborative leadership on decarbonizing heavy industry by the stakeholder engagement in and creation of a technical roadmap for industrial decarbonization with partners.
- Advocating for community voices and data to lead in Minnesota’s cumulative impacts rule. In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature passed the Frontline Communities Protection Act thanks to advocacy by the Frontline Communities Protection Coalition, of which Fresh Energy is a member. This year, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) started a rulemaking for analyzing the cumulative impacts of pollution. This rulemaking will continue into 2026 and Fresh Energy will continue to advocate for centering community voices in the process.
- Engaging in ECO (Energy Conservation and Optimization) Triennial planning with Minnesota utilities to ensure these plans advance energy efficiency and efficient electrification of buildings and transportation through legislatively authorized efficient fuel-switching provisions.
- Engaging at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to seek approval of utilities’ Transportation Electrification Plans (TEPs), especially Xcel Energy’s, while refining plans to optimize outcomes and bringing in more voices – including other nonprofits, industry groups, and public agencies – to highlight the vital need for continued utility investments for EVs and charging infrastructure in a period of lacking federal support and limited state budgets.
- Continuing to lean into the hard things. What comes next for our clean energy community will be some of the hardest decarbonization challenges we have faced thus far. Reaching net-zero by 2050 will require unmatched investments in the grid, renewables, and technologies for hard-to-decarbonize sectors of the economy. Along the way we will also have to grapple with complex technological, environmental, and societal challenges. Fresh Energy is committed to taking on these challenges.
As we reflect on the past year and look ahead during this time of change, we remain firm in our unwavering commitment to equitably decarbonize our economy and fight against climate change in Minnesota through effective energy and climate policy. Thank you for your support!
