Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
As a result of Fresh Energy's efforts, massive renewable investments are in place, new gas plants have been tabled, and significant carbon reductions are being enabled by new grid investments including $10.3 billion headed to the Midwest.
Fresh Energy played a critical role in ensuring that 2023 was the most impactful legislative session for climate and energy policy in state history. Throughout this historic session, we worked in coalition and individually to deliver significant policy wins and transformative public investments in Minnesota’s carbon-free future
Fresh Energy has launched a new Community Development and Finance Department to better ensure a just and equitable clean energy transition by bridging our clean energy policy expertise to economic and community development and finance, and support equitable implementation of this historic clean energy funding.
Fresh Energy is deeply committed to taking on even the hardest sectors to decarbonize, which is why we expanded our work this past year to tackle the industry and agriculture sectors with the launch of a new department. Fresh Energy’s new Industry Department focuses on regulation, policy, and market transformation to accelerate decarbonization. Through this work, we are forging new partnerships with labor, organizations advancing economic development, and more, and exploring new decarbonization opportunities, including green hydrogen, green fertilizer, and clean steel.
Current Goals
Drive continued scrutiny of our natural gas system through technical policy engagement. We're also collaborating to educate Minnesotans through the Clean Heat Minnesota Coalition. Fresh Energy cofounded this new, multiracial coalition alongside COPAL and Citizen's Utility Board.
Partner with communities to plan how they can most effectively tap federal and state dollars to support their vision for vibrant neighborhoods, electrification, and local clean energy.
Secure retirement dates for coal plants serving Minnesotans and continue minimizing fossil fuels in our electric system to align with Minnesota's climate goals.
Develop an ambitious 2024 Legislative Session agenda, building on existing momentum to drive decarbonization across buildings, transportation, industry and agriculture while accelerating the implementation of Minnesota's 100% clean electricity law.
Community or Constituency Served
Fresh Energy’s work benefits the health and prosperity of communities throughout
Minnesota. Minnesota’s practical and forward-thinking energy policy regularly serves as a
model for other states to adopt similar laws to benefit their communities.
Geographic Area Served
The Midwest
