Fresh Energy

Fresh Energy at the State Capitol in May, 2023.

This year, Minnesotans have started writing a hopeful new chapter in our state’s climate story. We know that to prevent the worst impacts of climate change, we need to meet and exceed our state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals, and thanks to your support, we are within striking distance for the first time ever.

In January, the Minnesota Legislature moved quickly to act on climate as a policy priority. At the top of the list was a long-time goal for Fresh Energy—100% clean electricity—which this year was also a key issue for the legislature and the Walz Administration. The Fresh Energy team worked tirelessly to ensure this bill became law—leading Minnesota to 100% clean electricity by 2040. 100% lays the policy foundation for clean energy progress going forward, but I cannot stress enough: clean electricity for Minnesotans is and must be just the beginning.

Fresh Energy is rising to meet the moment and with your partnership, we can keep driving the transformational change we need to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

As we look ahead to the critical next steps that will build upon momentum set by the 100% clean electricity law, we are laser-focused on:  

• Dramatically improving building efficiency and building for the future by advocating for and advancing strong commercial and residential energy codes alongside coalition partners and growing the movement to include new allies.  
• Continuing to help Minnesota utilities meet the moment by further decarbonizing the electric supply through closing coal units and preventing new fossil gas plants, advancing efficiency and renewables, establishing modern rate design to further electrification and fuel-switching, and elevating the importance of equity. 
• Driving a comprehensive approach to clean transportation that centers a meaningful investment in clean transportation expansion and funding, an equitable electric vehicle charging network, getting more electric transit and school buses on the road, and furthering mode shifting. 
• Forging the way for clean energy jobs and wealth creation for all Minnesotans—with a focus on under-resourced communities, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, and those residing in greater Minnesota—ensuring our state leverages the economic development activities underway in the clean energy sector, especially those sparked by federal funding.

We are sharing a collective moment where our clean energy future is taking shape before our very eyes. Will you join us in being an active participant?