Decarbonize: The Clean Energy Podcast

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.m. Central to debrief COP and dig into discussions around climate finance, mitigation, and adaptation and the role Minnesota and the Midwest can play in decarbonization.Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.Follow us on Social Media!Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.socialFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytodayLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

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 finance, and how Minnesotans can support this critical progress on climate and clean energy.Plus, send your COP27 questions to J.! J. will answer most of your questions about COP27—from her travels before, during, and after, to the members of the U.S. climate delegation she gets to meet, to her favorite moments interacting with members of Minnesota’s own COP27 delegation—with everyone at a special post-COP27 live, virtual webinar event happening after she returns to Minnesota from Egypt toward the end of November. Submit your questions to J. via email at hamilton@fresh-energy.org. Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.Follow us on Social Media!Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.socialFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytodayLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

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. Project members include Great Plains Institute (GPI), DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Fresh Energy, and the University of Minnesota.The team used field research on five existing ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar sites across the United States, three-dimensional hydrologic modeling, and feedback from solar developers, site managers, state and local regulators, and other stakeholders to assess the opportunities. And results are flooding in!Based on the project’s findings, researchers have now developed a stormwater runoff calculator tool and best practices recommendations for local and state permit officials and solar industry practitioners. Tune in to this webinar, recorded on September 28, 2022, for more details from hosts Fresh Energy, GPI, and NREL and special guests for the inside scoop on how the tool has worked so far.Meet the speakers:Brian Ross, GPIDr. David Mulla, University of MinnesotaJames McCall, NRELTodd Smith, Minnesota Pollution Control AgencyRobert L. Goo, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of WaterLee Strait, EORModerator: Briana Kerber, Fresh EnergyFresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.Follow us on Social Media!Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.socialFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytodayLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

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 and provide an opportunity for larger-scale implementation of geothermal by utilities. Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.Follow us on Social Media!Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.socialFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytodayLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

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. Additional resources: What's up with building codes? explainer blogPodcast extra! How are building code climate zones related to garden growing zones? The nitty gritty details from Minnesota's Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) on the current rulemaking process for Minnesota's energy code. Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.Follow us on Social Media!Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.socialFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytodayLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

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. The IRA is the largest investment ever in climate action in the U.S. Send a thank-you note to your members of Minnesota's federal delegation who voted in favor of the IRA!  Additional resources: The Fresh Energy Take: Game-changing policies in the Inflation Reduction Act President Biden signs $369B climate and tax package into lawFresh Energy Statement: Congress makes climate historyFresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.Follow us on Social Media!Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.socialFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytodayLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

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 popular Hollywood films, energy and climate are part of the arts today. How accurate are these depictions, and can they spur action? Fresh Energy's Anjali Bains, lead director of energy access and equity, sat down with writer Naomi Kritzer, Olga Tchepikova-Treon with the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities’ department of cultural studies, and artist Ben Weaver.  P.S. Want a taste of our electric future? Register to join us at the Fresh Frolic on August 24 at The Market at Malcolm Yards for an all-electric end-of-summer celebration! Meet the Panelists: Naomi Kritzer | she/her | Writer Naomi Kritzer has been writing science fiction and fantasy for over twenty years; her fiction has won the Hugo Award, the Lodestar Award, the Edgar Award, and the Minnesota Book Award. Her newest book is Chaos on CatNet, which is a sequel to Catfishing on CatNet, and is set in Minneapolis. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her spouse, two kids (when the college kid is home from college) and four cats. The number of cats is subject to change without notice. You can find Naomi online at naomikritzer.com or on Twitter as @naomikritzer. Olga Tchepikova-Treon | she/her | University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Olga Tchepikova-Treon is a doctoral candidate and graduate instructor in the UMN cultural studies department, where she is writing a dissertation on disability aesthetics in alternative film cultures. Currently finishing up a Fellowship at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Museum of American History, her ongoing research looks at the ways medical films are used in art cinema contexts. To Olga, teaching film as cultural and historical commentary is one of the best things about working in the university environment. Her favorite place in the Twin Cities is the Trylon Cinema, where she volunteers at the box office. Ben Weaver | Artist Ben is a poet, songwriter, letterpress printer/book maker, public speaker, and endurance cyclist. Ben creates work that breaks down the emotional and systemic structures separating humans from the ability to feel our connections to the greater web of life and each other. The songs and poems he writes and performs work to dispel illusions of division. They hold open space for the wisdom that sits within the trees, rivers, rocks, plants and animals to reignite the inherent stories of wildness and mutuality living inside us all. This webinar was maFresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.Follow us on Social Media!Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.socialFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytodayLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

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 natural gas in our homes, to other reliance on fossil fuels, air quality across Minnesota is impacted. How can we incorporate health impacts of energy decisions? Fresh Energy's Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, senior lead for innovation and impact, sat down with Emma Hines from RMI, Theresa "Tee" McClenty from MN350, and Jessie Carr Shmool from the Minnesota Department of Health to discuss.P.S. Register to join us at the Fresh Frolic on August 24 at The Market at Malcolm Yards!Meet the Panelists:Emma Hines | she/her | RMIEmma Hines is an Associate in RMI’s Carbon-Free Buildings program, where she works on the climate, health, and air quality co-benefits of building electrification. Prior to joining RMI, Emma participated in a two-year fellowship with the Climate and Health Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She also previously served as a member of the teaching faculty for the Climate Change and Health Online Certificate Program with the Yale School of Public Health.Theresa “Tee” McClenty | MN350Tee has witnessed the impact of the climate crisis first-hand. Her youngest son was born with asthma and continues to experience complications from it as a young adult. This story, she knows, is not unique. Many communities of color are hardest hit by the negative impacts of climate change. Tee joined MN350 in 2022 in a continuation of her career as a servant for all communities. She has dedicated her life to ensuring that all communities have ALL the resources available provided to them. She has worked more than 18 years in emergency medicine, seeing first-hand the impact of climate on people’s health. Jessie Carr Shmool | she/her | Minnesota Department of HealthJessie Carr Shmool is an environmental epidemiologist at the Minnesota Department of Health, where she leads the Environmental Health Tracking and Biomonitoring programs. Jessie earned her MPH in environmental health policy from the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University and DrPH in environmental epidemiology from the University of Pittsburgh, where her training focused on air pollution epidemiology, cumulative exposure assessment, GIS and spatial statistics, community-engaged research methods, and environmental health disparities. This webinar was made possible by Great River Energy (Gold Sponsor) and Sunrun (Bronze Sponsor). ThankFresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.Follow us on Social Media!Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.socialFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytodayLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

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 how Minnesota colleges are modeling net zero innovation—and teaching the next generation of leaders. But what’s next on the horizon for these important institutions?  Join Fresh Energy's Allen Gleckner and guests Martha Larson of RMF Engineering, Rose Patzer of Minnesota State Energy Center of Excellence, and Amelia Vohs of Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy to discuss this and more.Meet the Panelists:Martha Larson | she/her | RMF EngineeringMartha Larson is currently the Director of Sustainability at RMF Engineering. She graduated from Northwestern University in 1999 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Martha began her career in Chicago as an acoustical consultant and project manager for complex visual and performing arts projects. In 2010, Martha became the first Manager of Campus Energy & Sustainability at Carleton College where she helped the college reduce its carbon footprint by nearly 70%. Notable projects included the Kracum wind turbine installation and an eight-year transition of the College’s district energy system from steam heating to low temperature hot water with geothermal heating and cooling.Rose Patzer | she/her | Minnesota State Energy Center of ExcellenceRose Patzer has an MBA in Business Administration and a B.A. in Chemistry. Rose has served as faculty at Minnesota West since 2007 in the Biofuels Technology and Energy Technical Specialist programs. She also provides project management services to the Minnesota State Energy Center of Excellence activities and actively participates in the Minnesota Energy Consortium meetings. She has a number of publications, presentations, awards, and certifications in areas renewable energy, biodiesel and agriculture. She enjoys promoting awareness about the renewable and traditional energy industries and has actively participated in a variety of energy-related federal and state grants throughout her career. Rose currently serves as the interim executive director for the Minnesota State Energy Center of Excellence.Amelia Vohs | she/her | Minnesota Center for Environmental AdvocacyAmelia Vohs is a regulatory attorney with the local non-profit Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) and an instructor of the Environment and Energy Law Clinic through the University of Minnesota. She litigates clean energy cases, specializing in matters before the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and other stateFresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.Follow us on Social Media!Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.socialFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytodayLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

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 on our podcast!Today's webinar features voting rights and civic engagement as two of the most pressing issues of our time. How does community engagement intersect with action on climate and justice?Join Fresh Energy's Justin Fay and special guests U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, Carolina Ortiz of COPAL, Dr. Gabe Chan of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, and Dominic McQuerry of The McKnight Foundation to discuss this and more.Meet the Panelists:Carolina Ortiz | she/her | COPALCarolina Ortiz has been with COPAL since it’s founding in 2018. She led the communications team for two years and is now the associate executive director. Carolina was born in Zacatecas, Mexico and is currently studying communications and women’s studies in Minnesota. A DREAMer herself, her passion for social justice stems from her own experiences and those of her community.Gabe Chan | Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of MinnesotaGabe Chan is an associate professor at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs in the Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy (STEP) area. Gabe’s research examines policies to stimulate innovation in energy technologies and mitigate global climate change in the United States, China, and internationally. Gabe’s research also blends economic methods and theory with a broader set of social science and technical knowledge.Dominic McQuerry | McKnight FoundationAs a program officer with the Vibrant & Equitable Communities and Midwest Climate & Energy programs, Dominic McQuerry oversees and develops innovative grant portfolios at the intersection of McKnight’s climate and equity goals with an emphasis on strengthening democratic participation and civic engagement. McQuerry is a policy and community engagement professional with a passion for supporting people’s lives and livelihoods, guiding and supporting powerful coalitions in Minnesota on housing, healthcare, child care, and more.This webinar was recorded on July 7, 2022, and made possible by Great River Energy (Gold Sponsor) and Sunrun (Bronze Sponsor). You can view a video of the webinar here.Thank you to our event's Promotional Partners:CERTsCitizen’s Utility Board of MinnesotaClimate GeneratiFresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.Follow us on Social Media!Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.socialFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytodayLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/