To propose an addition to this list please e-mail the information to Ruth Patton.

Third Congressional District debates

The 3rd Congressional District is one of the most closely watched races in the country. Hear what candidates have to say about energy issues and global warming at one of these fall debates.

Minnesota Senior Federation Debate
September 24, 2008, 9:30AM
Plymouth Creek Center
14800 34th Avenue
Plymouth, MN 55447

Consortium for People with Disabilities
October 16, 2008, 6:30PM
Minnetonka Community Center
14600 Minnetonka Boulevard
Minnetonka, MN 55345

Climate Change, Sustainable Agriculture, and Bioresources: A Public Forum
September 24–26, 2008
Ted Mann Concert Hall
Radisson University Hotel, University Ballroom

Minnesota and Austria are on the cutting edge of organic farming, innovative and sustainable uses of biological resources, and research on climate change. Experts from both sides of the Atlantic will come together to share their knowledge with the public in a dynamic, informative event you won’t want to miss! This three-day event will cover general trends in climate change, its effect on sustainable and organic farming, water and habitat, and the challenges of and opportunities for effective public policy to slow or even reverse climate change. All events are free and open to the public. Question and answer periods will be included in every event or session.

Sponsored by the Horst Rechelbacher Foundation and the Center for Austrian Studies at the University of Minnesota. For more information, e-mail casahy@umn.edu.

September 26, 3:15–4:45PM
Fresh Energy's science policy director J. Drake Hamilton will be part of a panel session on "Policy and Implementation in Austria and Minnesota." For the full conference schedule, visit the Center for Austrian Studies website.

Green Jobs Now: National day of action to build the new economy
September 27, 2008

Make your voice heard to demand green job development!  Join 1Sky, Green for All, and the WE Campaign to organize or attend a green jobs day of action event in your area. It's easy! Just visit www.greenjobsnow.com to find out what events are happening in your area or to register your creative event!

International 2008 Bioenergy Days
September 28–October 3, 2008
Minnesota State University
Mankato, MN

From September 28–October 3, the world will turn its eyes on and meet in Minnesota, a state that has taken a leadership role in green-related education, policy, and production. In Minneapolis/St. Paul and Mankato, the world will meet this fall to address the next generations of technology in renewable energy.

Those attending will learn from the world’s leading bioenergy experts and researchers and have the opportunity to look at and see how these technologies are already being implemented in Swedish-made products, many of which will be able to be viewed in working order by visitors at the conference.

The time and technology is right. Join the world at International Bioenergy Days 2008! Visit the conference website for more information and registration.

September 30, 3:00–4:00PM
Fresh Energy's science policy director J. Drake Hamilton will present "Can Renewable Energy Stop Global Warming?" with arctic explorer Will Steger on September 30. For the full conference schedule, download the event brochure. 

The state of Minnesota and our legislative response to climate change
September 30, 2008, 6:30–8:30PM
Carondelet Center
1890 Randolph Avenue
St. Paul, MN

Presented by experts J. Drake Hamilton of Fresh Energy and Senator Ellen Anderson, a leader of climate change at the Minnesota legislature. They will discuss the status of climate change and give a legislative update in anticipation of the 2009 session. Find out how you can have a voice in making Minnesota green through our legislative efforts. Voter registration available. Cosponsored by Earth Partners and Legislative Advocacy Partners Working Groups of the Justice Commission.

Minnesota Powershift youth climate summit
October 3–5, 2008
Washburn High School
Minneapolis, MN

Minnesota Powershift 2008 is much more than a conference. It is a tipping point that will revitalize the process of building a community that thrives on collaboration and creativity, working towards a just, prosperous, sustainable future. Join us at Washburn High School in our effort to unite, excite, and empower our communities to take action and create change! Minnesota Powershift is an intergenerational, participatory conference on climate, energy, sustainable development, and social justice. It will integrate community building and organizing with art, music, creative writing, political action, skills trainings, and open dialouge about the most pressing issues of our time.

For more information, e-mail info@mnpowershift.org or visit the conference website.

October 4, 4:30PM
Fresh Energy's science policy director J. Drake Hamilton will be part of a panel session on "Transitioning to a New Clean Energy Economy" with Senator Amy Klobuchar and other invitees.

2008 Solar tour
October 4, 2008, 10:00AM–5:00PM

Sponsored by the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES), the self-guided, public Minnesota Solar Tour features 70+ exemplary homes, businesses, and institutions that have incorporated renewable energy into the design and operation of their buildings. From geothermal heat pumps using the earth as a huge thermal buffer to wind turbines elegantly spinning in the breeze and the many incarnations of solar energy between earth and sky, this event offers local residents an opportunity to find out how their neighbors are trimming their energy bills, increasing their energy independence, and taking steps to address global warming.

This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in solar and other renewable energies to view installations and talk with building owners, builders, architects, and planners about their experiences. Visit www.solartour.net for more information. 

Sustainable Communities: Land Development and Resources Conference
October 20–21, 2008
Radisson Hotel
Fargo, ND

As policy makers, planners and engineers, we need to learn how to make decisions to meet society’s needs today while preserving the natural environment for tomorrow’s generations. Sustainability must be an integral part of our planning and decision making processes. This conference is an exciting opportunity for policy makers, planners and engineers to gain valuable insights from national and regional experts. Co-sponsored by Fresh Energy.

The conference costs $100 before October 10. For more information, contact Mikel Kunza at kunza@fmmetrocog.org or visit www.fmsepc.com.

October 20, 2008, Session 2A
Fresh Energy's science policy director J. Drake Hamilton will present "Planning for a Low Carbon Future: Solutions at the State and Local Levels." For the full conference schedule, visit www.fmsepc.com.

St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services Conference
October 23, 2008, 1:00–2:30PM
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center
350 Harbor Drive
Duluth, MN 55802

As part of the two-day 26th Annual St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services Conference, Fresh Energy's J. Drake Hamilton and Dr. Matt Commers of the University of Minnesota will present a workshop that explores the direct connection between climate change and public health.

Fresh Energy's J. Drake Hamilton will outline the science and best policy solutions to climate change, discussing the myths and truths about limiting and lowering greenhouse gas emissions as well as practical solutions for governments, businesses and individuals.

Dr. Matt Commers, Adjunct Professor of Public Health at the University of Minnesota, will go in depth on the issue of the likely effects of a warming climate on human health. He will discuss various methods that have been proposed for minimizing the negative health impact of climate change.

Download the event brochure for details and registration information.

E3 2008
November 18, 2008, 8:00AM–4:00PM
St. Paul RiverCentre
St. Paul, MN

E3 2008 will focus on the intersection between innovative technologies, visionary policies, environmental benefits, and emerging market opportunities as they relate to developments in the renewable energy sector.

Renewable energy and environmental researchers, students, government officials, nonprofit and business/industry leaders will join together to share knowledge and discoveries through keynote addresses, breakout sessions, research posters, and exhibitor booths.

Proceeds from E3 2008 will help fund University of Minnesota scholarships that will support students interested in pursuing a career in renewable energy and the environment.

E3 2008 is presented by the Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment, the Institute on the Environment and the University of Minnesota -- in partnership with lead sponsors Piper Jaffray and Faegre & Benson LLP.

November 18, 3:00PM
Fresh Energy's executive director Michael Noble will be part of a panel session on "Minnesota's Renewable Portfolio Standard—How Will We Get There?" For the full conference schedule, visit the conference website.

 Other Energy Event Calendars

• Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance's Industry Events Calendar

• Minnesota Environmental Partnership's Calendar

• NextStep's Sustainability Events Calendar