Decarbonize: The Clean Energy Podcast

The 2023 U.N. Climate Conference, also known as COP, will be held in the United Arab Emirates from November 30 through December 12. J. Drake Hamilton , senior director, science policy at Fresh Energy, was one of the more than 70,000 participants from around the globe to attend. Get the scoop from J. on some of the big discussions that  happened at the event. You can read J.'s blog from COP at...

Minnesota’s natural gas utilities are planning to grow their gas distribution systems and the volume of natural gas they deliver over the coming decades. This poses a significant challenge for Minnesota as we strive to rapidly reduce emissions from the buildings sector to meet state emission goals. But in order to understand the problem, Minnesotans must first learn how the gas system beneath our...

The 2023 U.N. Climate Conference, also known as COP, will be held in the United Arab Emirates from November 30 through December 12. J. Drake Hamilton , senior director, science policy at Fresh Energy, will be one of the more than 70,000 participants from around the globe to attend. Get the scoop from J. on some of the big discussions that will be happening at the event, a presentation hosted by Fr...

Hydrogen is a hot topic in the clean energy space and here in Minnesota. Thanks to the 100% clean electricity law, Minnesota’s electricity supply will be 100% carbon-free by 2040. This is a BIG deal. But to address the global climate crisis, we must be carbon neutral across the economy by mid-century or before—and this includes our industry and agriculture sectors. Fortunately, federal action from...

Let’s talk about what happened at the Minnesota Legislature! Join Fresh Energy policy experts for a webinar to discuss why this year was the biggest yet for clean energy and climate—and why it means the work is just beginning. Join Fresh Energy policy experts for a webinar that was recorded on Tuesday, May 23 to learn what some key accomplishments were this session, what they mean for the work ahe...

Fresh Energy is mixing it up for Earth Day with a podcast takeover by Palms Psalm, a music project created by Eric Pasi! Tune in for a listening session of  Palms Psalm's new release, " Otuhaka " with Fresh Energy's Jo Olson and Eric Pasi. "Otuhaka" is an album full of songs that weave surf rock with island vibes in a reflection on climate-fueled annihilation, specifi...

Let’s talk about Minnesota’s 100% clean electricity bill ! Join Fresh Energy policy experts for a webinar that was recorded on Monday, February 6 at 1:30 p.m. to dig into why this bill is a big deal for Minnesota, what it entails, its history and journey through the Minnesota Legislature, and more. Webinar guests: Michael Noble , executive director Allen Gleckner, executive lead, policy and progra...

The 2023 session of the Minnesota Legislature begins on January 3. Join the Fresh Energy team for a conversation about our plans and expectations for the coming session. The discussion will touch on  Minnesota’s clean energy opportunities, federal action, committee assignments, budget surplus, our policy goals, and more! Podcast Guests: Michael Noble, Executive Director Anna Johnson , Senior Assoc...

What happened at COP27? In November, nearly 200 countries will come together in Egypt for the global climate summit, or COP27, the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Join Fresh Energy’s J. Drake Hamilton and members of the Minnesota delegation including Patrick Hamilton of the Science Museum and Dr. Nfamara K. Dampha of the University of Minnesota for a webinar on November 30, 2022, at 12 p...

What is climate finance and its related areas of climate mitigation and adaptation? How is Fresh Energy involved in driving progress on climate finance at COP27, the United Nations (U.N.) Climate Change Conference? In this discussion, Fresh Energy’s J. Drake Hamilton and Bri Kerber sit down to talk through J.’s seven-year legacy at the global climate change convening, the importance of climate fin...

Are solar farms a threat to water quality or a community asset? How can we create a solar-friendly permitting process that also enhances water and ecosystem services for the host community? Thanks to the PV-SMaRT project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Solar Energy Technology Office, we are excited to debut the first solar-specific national study on stormwater dynamics and modeling...

What is networked geothermal, and how can it drive decarbonization? In this discussion, hosted by Fresh Energy on behalf of the Energy We Can’t Afford Coalition, Fresh Energy's Joe Dammel , John Farrell from Institute for Local Self-Reliance, and Zeyneb Magavi from HEET sit down to dive into the details on how geothermal microgrids and district systems can drive cold climate decarbonization a...

What are building codes, and how are they critical tools in driving progress toward a healthier, more resilient, more efficient Minnesota? Fresh Energy's Eric Fowler and Briana Kerber dive into the details on what building codes are, who writes them, how they impact our lives, and how Fresh Energy is acting on multiple levels to improve building energy codes for health, savings, and climate....

What is the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and how did it get to where it is today? Sit down with Fresh Energy's Michael Noble , Anjali Bains , and Jo Olson to learn about the good and bad elements of the bill and its implications for equity and justice, as well as how Fresh Energy and advocates across the country are continuing to plug in to drive bold progress toward our carbon-free future....

Energy and climate issues play out across our society—in books and film, institutions of higher learning, our democracy, and in the very air we breathe.  Once again, this July, Thursdays were Fresh Energy summer webinar series days! Many special guests joined Fresh Energy each Thursday for four fun and engaging discussions about the many facets of energy in our lives.   From science fiction to pop...

Energy and climate issues play out across our society—in books and film, institutions of higher learning, our democracy, and in the very air we breathe. Once again this July, Thursdays are Fresh Energy summer webinar series days! Register here to join Fresh Energy and special guests for four fun and engaging discussions about the many facets of energy in our lives. From tailpipe emissions, to natu...

Energy and climate issues play out across our society—in books and film, institutions of higher learning, our democracy, and in the very air we breathe. Once again this July, Thursdays are Fresh Energy summer webinar series days! Register here to join Fresh Energy and special guests for four fun and engaging discussions about the many facets of energy in our lives. Today's webinar features ho...

Energy and climate issues play out across our society—in books and film, institutions of higher learning, our democracy, and in the very air we breathe. Once again this July, Thursdays are Fresh Energy summer webinar series days! Register here to join Fresh Energy and special guests for four fun and engaging discussions about the many facets of energy in our lives—or listen to the recordings here...

When we hear about the electric grid, it’s common to think of our local electric utility. They’re the ones we pay for our electric service after all, and it’s our utility’s trucks that we see repairing downed electricity lines. But, as explained in our “What’s up with the grid?” blog , the grid is much bigger than any single utility. It is instead a web of utilities, each interconnected with each...

The investments utilities make in energy infrastructure, including coal and gas plants, have significant impacts on public health, environmental justice, equity, and more. Minnesota’s leaders, policymakers, community advocates, and all who live here should have the opportunity to understand these impacts. Additionally, both utilities and regulators should consider these impacts in long-range utili...

Bees, monarchs, and other critical pollinators are disappearing, and scientists agree that loss of habitat is a primary concern. However, research has found that the renewable energy sector provides a unique opportunity for creating new pollinator habitat. Join Monarch Joint Venture, Connexus Energy, MNL, and Fresh Energy for a webinar recorded on May 18, 2022, as we dig into the new study, “Monit...

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will funnel a historic $1.2 trillion into states—about $6.8 billion of which is headed to Minnesota. These funds will go toward much-needed investments in weatherization assistance, energy efficiency, power and grid, electric transportation, and more—all of which play a major role in our climate future as we seek energy independence. But how can local and state po...

Electric panel updates are a crucial way to speed up home electrification, but cost can be a barrier. That’s why Fresh Energy is leading a new effort at the Minnesota Legislature this year to prepare Minnesota’s existing residential buildings for the transition to fossil-free electricity: An electric panel upgrade program for owners of single family and multifamily buildings. Podcast Guests:  Eric...

Fresh Energy is celebrating 30 years of making history for clean energy and climate here in Minnesota and the Midwest. Join Michael Noble, J. Drake Hamilton, and Jim Ladner for a conversation about some pivotal moments in each decade of Fresh Energy’s history.  Podcast Guests:  Michael Noble , Executive Director of Fresh Energy J. Drake Hamilton , Senior Director, Science Policy at Fresh Energy  J...

Electrifying medium- and heavy-duty vehicles is good for climate, public health, and our economy—and we’ve got the data to back it up, thanks to a new report from Fresh Energy on behalf of the Coalition for Clean Transportation. Join experts and advocates from Fresh Energy, MN350, Sierra Club, and the Environmental Resource Management Group (ERM). Panelists:  Anjali Bains , Fresh Energy Joshua Hou...