It seems harmless enough – flick a switch and you’ve instantly got
light and power. But the production of electricity causes more
pollution than any other industry on the planet. It’s responsible
for smog, acid rain, mercury poisoning in our lakes and rivers, and
global warming. That’s why Fresh Energy aggressively promotes the
use of clean, renewable electricity sources like wind, sun, and
plant matter. They’re not only better for people and the
environment, they’re also a better financial investment because the
fuel is free and carries no threat of cleanup costs.
Here in the Midwest we’re uniquely situated to
take advantage of these opportunities and become a global leader in
clean energy. Fresh Energy pursues these innovations through smart
new legislation, improvements to current laws, better regulations,
savvy financial strategies, and market-friendly policies.
Our Work
Fresh Energy seeks to significantly expand the development of clean,
renewable electricity with ambitious laws and rules by state
governments and the private sector. Here’s what we’re doing to
accomplish those efforts...
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Promoting Smart Legislation – To increase
production and use of renewable electricity in Minnesota, we’re
pushing for a state Renewable Electricity Standard and
legislation to reduce mercury emissions
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Accelerating the Clean Energy Industry –
Fresh Energy fosters diverse new energy technologies—while
minimizing adverse impacts—by partnering with private firms,
community corporations, and national and local innovators.
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Pushing for Zero Emissions – Fresh Energy
is blocking the expansion or development of coal-fired plants
unless they produce zero emissions.
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Fostering District Heating & Cooling
Systems – We work to promote systems that allow heating and
cooling from a centralized source to be distributed to multiple
buildings.
Victories
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$5 Billion in Clean Energy Investments –
Fresh Energy has been instrumental in developing and promoting
laws that have secured more than $5 billion in clean energy
investments in Minnesota since 1992. These include laws that
require utilities to use electricity from renewable sources,
support utilities that convert old coal plants, and provide
funding for wind power projects owned by farmers, businesses,
schools, and community organizations.
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Clear Accountability – We helped create new
state policy that requires electric utilities to publish a
standardized label regarding how their electricity is made. It
also requires them to reveal the environmental and health
effects of their power mix.
Future
Directions
Fresh Energy will demonstrate that better energy options can compete
with proposed new coal plants on the basis of price, reliability,
and risk. A range of efficiency and clean electricity technologies
must be integrated in the energy system to meet the demands of a
prosperous economy.
On the horizon, we will investigate the best ways to expand solar
technology markets and opportunities and jumpstart a new industry
that makes competitively-priced natural gas from agricultural,
animal, or even municipal waste.
What You Can Do
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Get Engaged – Get involved in policy
decisions. Communicate regularly with your elected leaders about
these important issues...they need to hear from you. Engage your
civic organizations, faith groups and workplaces in promoting
energy solutions. Contact Fresh Energy at 651-225-0878 or
info@fresh-energy.org for more information and practical ideas.
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Buy Renewable Energy – Sign up for your
electric utility’s wind power program. It’s cheap and easy to
do. If you can’t get a good rate from your local utility,
consider buying Green Tags. These renewable energy credits put
more clean power into our nation’s electric system, forcing
polluting plants to cut back on their output.
www.greentagsusa.org
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