Action Steps for Clean Energy

Here is the situation: Climate scientists have warned us that in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change we must transition our entire economy to be carbon-free by mid-century. The next nine years are critical for getting us on the right path. I am part of a team at Fresh Energy working to get Minnesota on track. This global, economy-wide transition requires action and buy-in at all levels: countries, states, cities, businesses, and individuals.

If this sounds daunting, well — the scale and breadth of this transformation has never been done before, so that makes sense. But resist the paralyzing effects of overwhelm if you can, because there is good news.

The good news is that we already have the tools we need to transition our world to be carbon neutral. The technological capacity, the scientific understanding, and the financial resources — we have what we need. The only thing standing in the way is the will to change.  

How can you join the effort?

1. Weigh-in at the Minnesota state legislature, state agencies, and utility levels.
   There is an exciting and impactful bill moving in the Minnesota House of Representatives to shift Minnesota to 100 percent carbon-free energy. Let your Minnesota State House of Representatives member know you support the 100% clean energy bill. The legislative session is underway, so email your rep today using this form.
2. Submit comments to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to support the Clean Cars Minnesota rule. Clean Cars will provide more electric vehicle options to Minnesotans and help reduce transportation emissions, which is the highest emitting sector.
3. If you are an Xcel Energy customer, engage in the process to map out the energy generation future using this easy online tool. The deadline is April 12. Minnesota Power and Otter Tail Power will be launching processes this year. Stay tuned to this page for ways to take action.       
   Let all of your elected officials know that you expect meaningful climate action.

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Minnesota Clean Fuels Standard

A 25-member coalition representing automakers, biofuel producers, electric vehicle sector, and conservation advocates is endorsing bipartisan legislation that would implement a clean fuels standard in Minnesota.   

The Future Fuels Act would direct the Minnesota Department of Commerce with developing a clean fuels standard to achieve a 20 percent reduction in carbon intensity for transportation fuel supplied in the state by 2036. 

This is the first legislative effort to try to implement a statewide clean fuels standard in the Midwest.

Clean fuels are defined as any that have a lower carbon intensity than what is required in the standard.

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Next Steps

• Make Changes at Home
• Summer webinar series, “The Intersection of Energy and Community”
• Fresh Energy updates
• Betterenergy.org
• How are you helping to create cooperative economies and regenerative ecosystems? Contact ecolution@womenspress.com