For over a decade, Fresh Energy has been doing groundbreaking work in the media to push for an energy system that supports the health of our economies, our people, and our environment while moving us toward energy independence.

Television

Good Question: Why is Mercury in Florescent Bulbs? (2/14/2008) - J. Drake Hamilton, Science Policy Director, dispels the myth that mercury in CFL light bulbs is dangerous and to be avoided. She explains to WCCO that it's far more dangerous to use inefficient, old-fashioned light bulbs, which demand more energy from coal plants that emit mercury into the air.

Gore, UN Panel, Win Nobel Peace Prize (10/12/2007) - When Al Gore and the IPCC won the Nobel Peace Prize for their work against global warming, J. Drake Hamilton commented to KARE11 on why global warming is a peace-related issue. J. Drake Hamilton received training from Al Gore to speak on global warming issues in January 2007.

We Power: Charging the 5 p.m. Newscast (8/23/2007) - Fresh Energy staff and volunteers joined Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc. and WCCO-TV to produce a human-powered newscast on the first day of the Minnesota State Fair. They produced the energy through power-generating stationary bikes, and contributed to WCCO’s broadcasts throughout the duration of the State Fair.

Pawlenty Pushing Green as NGA Chairman (7/23/2007) - With Governor Pawlenty appointed chairman of the National Governors Association and putting energy issues at the forefront of his agenda, WCCO TV sought out Executive Director Michael Noble for comments. "America is in need of a new look for the 21st Century," he said.

Project Energy: How Far We've Come (4/16/2007) - Monday marked a full year of Project Energy reports on WCCO TV, with a pledge to keep telling the story of the fast-changing global landscape. Something important to remember is how far we have come together. Executive Director Michael Noble is included in this year-in-review.

Good Question: Who is causing the most pollution? (4/16/2007) - According to Science Policy Director J. Drake Hamilton, solving the climate crisis is going to take a worldwide push. Scientists say we need to cut carbon dioxide emissions 80 percent by 2050 to avoid radical changes to our planet. The United States tops the list in terms of total carbon dioxide emissions. China, Russia, India and Japan round out the top 5.

Good Question: Why are we changing the time? (3/09/2007) - Media Relations Director Timothy Rose says that daylight-saving time is "really is an opportunity for us to look at energy consumption and energy efficiency" and pointed out that the issue "really shouldn't be about daylight-saving time. It should be about energy savings time."

Landmark Alternative Energy Bill (2/23/2007) - Minnesota passed into law this week the nation's most aggressive alternative energy bill. Twin Cities Public Television's Almanac brought together a group of stakeholders, including Fresh Energy's Executive Director, Michael Noble.

Law prepares state to lead nation on renewable energy (2/22/2007) - Executive Director Michael Noble provides knowledge in an Associated Press story about how new renewable energy legislation will take effect in Minnesota. He also adds, “We’ve got to get cracking.”

State goes for 25 percent renewable by 2025 (2/22/2007) - This Associated Press story—as seen on MSNBC—reports that Minnesota's new Renewable Electricity Standard has put the state at the forefront of a national push to use more renewable energy. Executive Director Michael Noble noted that the law is the most aggressive in the country and has "the biggest reach."  

Good Question: What are four easy things I can do to be greener? (2/05/2007) - Executive Director Michael Noble answered WCCO TV's "Good Question." He discussed four easy things that everyone can do: switch your old-fashioned light bulbs for efficient compact fluorescents, drink water from the tap rather than bottled water, drive the speed limit, and get your name taken off junk mail lists.

Global warming issue of focus with Minn. legislature (1/30/2007) - WCCO TV political reporter Pat Kessler reports on the historic global warming information proceeding on the floor of the Minnesota House. Fresh Energy was asked to help organize the expert scientists, educators, and faith leaders who spoke about global warming's impacts and how we can slow it.

RES roundtable on WDSE TV's Almanac North (1/26/2007) - Fresh Energy's Senior Policy Associate Ken Bradley discussed the Renewable Energy Standard with Senate Committee Chairwoman Yvonne Prettner Solon (D-Duluth) and a representative from Minnesota Power. 

Project Energy: Wal-Mart Goes Green (1/06/2007) - Michael Noble was featured in this WCCO TV piece. Wal-Mart's aim of selling 100 million compact fluorescent light bulbs in 2007 is an impressive goal. "I don't think it's so much Wal-Mart's point of view that it's cool to be green," said Noble, adding, "I think it's Wal-Mart's view that it would be profitable to be green."

Radio

KUMD (4/22/2008) - Carin Skoog, Fresh Energy's global warming solutions coordinator, promotes an upcoming event on the University of Minnesota – Duluth’s KUMD. She discusses Fresh Energy’s legislative agenda and encourages listeners to attend UMD’s event “Local to  Global Climate Change Solutions.”

Forum Event on Energy Independence and Security (4/21/2008) - Science Policy Director J. Drake Hamilton visits Minnesota Public Radio for a discussion on energy independence and security. Audience members make comments and ask questions while she lends her expertise on clean energy.

Indian Uprising (4/13/2008) - Energy Justice Program Associate Daryl Sager speaks with Chris Spotted Eagle on KFAI’s segment dedicated entirely to Native American issues. He explains the importance of weatherization programs for Native communities and speaks about the promise of the new green economy.

Governor’s Climate Group Makes Recommendations (1/25/07) - When the Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group made its first set of recommendations to help the state reduce its carbon emissions, Science Policy Director J. Drake Hamilton spoke on Minnesota Public Radio as a Governor-appointed member of the panel.

Groups Hope to Elevate Climate Change as a Campaign Issue (11/05/07) - Thousands around the country gathered in D.C. as part of a coalition called 1 Sky. Michael Noble, executive director of Fresh Energy, recognizes the assortment of different groups that came together for a “thorough-going energy revolution” in this Minnesota Public Radio story.

The Talk of Sioux Falls Part 1 Part 2 (9/28/2007) - Media Relations Director Timothy Rose speaks to Sioux Falls’ 1140 KSOO on behalf of the South Dakota Climate Challenge Conference. He notes how facts and figures in many studies show that the public is eager for solutions to global warming.

Xcel Praised for Cleaner Energy Moves (7/25/2007) - Executive Director Michael Noble praises Xcel Energy for recommissioning the Allen S. King plant in Stillwater to make it cleaner. He refers to Xcel’s action as "good corporate citizenship."

Murphy Oil owners want to expand in Superior (7/24/2007) - On Minnesota Public Radio, Executive Director Michael Noble refutes an assertion that building and expanding oil refineries is a good option for the Midwest. Instead, he says the Midwest should move in the direction of smarter fuels for the economy.

Minnesota's new renewable energy law (2/22/2007) - Fresh Energy's J. Drake Hamilton and Union of Concerned Scientists' Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel discuss the historic passing of Minnesota's renewable energy law on The Don Shelby Show on WCCO 830AM. Next steps for the legislature include a bill cutting global warming emissions. 

Minnesota lawmakers tackle global warming (1/30/2007) - Minnesota Public Radio reported on this historic event took place at the Minnesota Capitol on January 30: A joint informational proceeding on global warming was held on the floor of the House. Fresh Energy was asked to help organize the expert scientists, educators, and faith leaders who spoke about global warming's impacts and how we can slow it before Minnesota sees the worst.

Wind offers South Dakota opportunities for economic development (1/26/2007) - Media Relations Director Timothy Rose was featured on Sioux Falls radio station KSOO's Viewpoint University. Rose discussed the economic opportunities of wind development in South Dakota.

Print

A Force in Wind Power (4/26/2008) - J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director, lauds Mortenson Construction’s extensive clean energy projects. “As a result, they are able to expand and respond to the new energy economy,” she says. The Pioneer Press reports that Mortenson produced 30 percent of all North American wind energy projects last year.

Oil Consumption at the Tipping Point in US? (4/24/2008) - The Star Tribune’s Neal St. Anthony writes about the public’s dropping rate of oil consumption. Science Policy Director J. Drake Hamilton says that the high oil prices have led the public to use transit more often and turn to conservation.

Manitoba, Minnesota Wrangle Over State Energy Law (3/26/2008) - Executive Director Michael Noble expresses his disapproval of the attempted repeal of a law that requires Manitoba Hydro to report on how its dams impact First Nation peoples in this Canadian Broadcasting Corporation article.

Xcel to Use Massive Batteries to Store Wind-generated power (2/29/2008) - When Xcel Energy announced its plans to test large-scale batteries to store wind power, Executive Director Michael Noble told the Pioneer Press that in the future, the batteries could help the utility derive up to half of its power from wind.

Explorers Say Fate of Planet in our Hands (2/12/2008) - Science Policy Director J. Drake Hamilton continues her global warming solutions public forums, this time in Hutchinson, Kansas. The Hutchinson News quotes her discussion of change, saying “We decide how clean it will be, whether it will benefit rural economies, whether it will keep more of our energy dollars in the United States.”

Ely Forum Highlights Threats from Climate Change (1/07/2008) - Science Policy Director J. Drake Hamilton moderated an Ely forum on global warming solutions with special guests polar explorer Will Steger and Governor Tim Pawlenty. The Timberjay paraphrases her information about the Midwest Governors Association’s commitment to regional CO2 reductions.

Pawlenty, Richardson Team Up on Wind Power (12/07/2007) - Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson invited the nation’s governors to join the Governors Windpower Coalition. Michael Noble, Executive Director, tells the Pioneer Press that the coalition is a tremendous opportunity to lead the country.

Pawlenty Helps Form National Wind-Power Coalition (12/07/2007) - Science Policy Director J. Drake Hamilton describes to the Star Tribune the formation of a domestic wind energy industry, following the announcement of the Governors Windpower Coalition.

Minnesota Sets Tentative CO2 Price (12/07/2007) - The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission set a non-binding price range on CO2 emissions between $4 and $30. Executive Director Michael Noble tells the Argus Leader, “[CEOs of coal plants] can’t say we didn’t know coal is a risky investment.”

Heavy Rainfall Events on the Increase, Advocacy Group Says (12/05/2007) - Environment America released a report showing that downpours increased 34 percent across Minnesota, leaving the land vulnerable to flooding. Science Policy Director J. Drake Hamilton warns of the economic detriment that global warming causes in the Duluth News Tribune.

Midwest Governors Sign Pacts to Cut Greenhouse Gas and Boost Renewable Energy (11/16/07) - Science Policy Director J. Drake Hamilton comments on the Midwest Governors Association’s historic energy pact in the Pioneer Press. “This says we need to get real about actually reducing global warming pollution,'' she says.

S.D. Signs on to Part of Climate Change Deal (11/16/07) - South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds signed on as an observer to carbon-reducing goals at the Midwest Governors Association’s Energy Summit, while other governors signed on in full. Science Policy Director J. Drake Hamilton suggests to the Argus Leader that he may have “too constrained a view” on how the state can develop energy.

‘Coal Tax’ Set Off Dispute Between Minnesota, North Dakota (11/10/07) - Executive Director Michael Noble said in an Associated Press article that North Dakota should not take Minnesota’s attempt to put a price on carbon dioxide personally.

Saying Farewell (11/01/07) - Fresh Energy staff and board members pose for a photo in November’s Saint Paul Illustrated. The shots were taken at Dee Long’s retirement gala on June 12th.

Steger Describes Arctic Warming, Warns of its Effects on Northland (10/29/07) - Science Policy Director J. Drake Hamilton joined polar explorer Will Steger in Duluth for a public forum on global warming solutions. The Duluth News Tribune covered the event and quoted the two on the importance of addressing global warming now.

Fresh Philanthropists (10/01/07) - Executive Director Michael Noble sports a wide grin in a photo in October’s Mlps St Paul Magazine. Fresh Energy staff and approximately 400 others attended a LEAD fundraiser for Fresh Energy at the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum on May 18th.

Climate Change a Higher Priority (9/25/2007) - When the Carbon Disclosure Project released information on how large companies plan to deal with their carbon emissions, Executive Director Michael Noble made a connection between global warming and the economy in this Pioneer Press article.

Big Stone Pullouts Leave Coal-fired Electricity’s Future in Question (9/19/2007) - In South Dakota’s largest newspaper, the Argus Leader, Fresh Energy’s Michael Noble comments on Great River Energy leaving the controversial Big Stone II project. He is quoted on the practicality. “It’s a business decision, not a political one,” he says.

Skeptics are Few and Far Between, Many Say (9/07/2007) - Executive Director Michael Noble strikes down skeptics and affirms scientists views of global warming in this St. Cloud Times article. He says it is pointless for people to question the validity of human-caused global warming when “committed and dedicated scientists have now come to the very strong conclusion that we have an urgent and pressing need to reduce our global warming emissions.”

North Stars, 25 People on the Cutting Edge of Cool (9/01/2007) - Minnesota Monthly featured 25 people whose work has distinguished them in the Twin Cities. The full-page photo features Executive Director Michael Noble with a light bulb, and the clip says that he proved “maybe it is easy being green after all.”

The Look (9/01/07) - Executive Director Michael Noble, former Director of Environmental Tax and Incentives Program Dee Long, and board member Ross Hammond smile for photos in October’s Minnesota Monthly. Fresh Energy staff and friends attended Dee Long’s retirement gala at the St. Paul Hotel on June 12th.

Xcel presents plan to build wind farm (6/25/2007) - Executive Director Michael Noble applauds Xcel Energy’s plan to build a wind farm near Austin, MN. Xcel’s first Minnesota wind farm will use 67 turbines to generate 100 megawatts of electricity.

Great River pushes florescent bulbs (6/08/2007) - What do CFLs, the Big Green Man of the Minnesota River Valley and the proposed Big Stone II coal burning plant in Milbank, SD all have in common? Fresh Energy advocates for renewable for all the “little sprouts" in this online Pioneer Press article.

From Turkey Waste, a New Fuel and a New Fight (6/06/2007) - J Drake Hamilton, Fresh Energy science policy director, talks turkey about a novel power plant in Benson, Minnesota in a New York Times front-page story.

Minnesota demands accounting from Hydro (5/10/2007) - Fresh Energy staff is featured in this Winnipeg Free Press article about a new Minnesota law that requires Manitoba Hydro to account to its state legislature every year on the impacts of its hydro electric dams on the environment and First Nations people covered by the Northern Flood Agreement.

Green Grrls (5/02/2007) - Science Policy Director J. Drake Hamilton was one of six Minnesota women featured for their environmental activism in this Minnesota Women's Press article.

Wind energy takes flight on Iron Range (4/20/2007) - Fresh Energy's Maria Surma Manka is quoted in this Duluth News Tribune article about Minnesota Power's plans to build, own, and operate the first commercial wind energy facility in Northeastern Minnesota. The 10 wind turbines will produce about 25 megawatts of electricity, enough to power over 6,000 homes.

Climate change is real, it's going to accelerate (4/16/2007) - After telling resource managers at the annual meeting of the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee in Red Wing last month that global climate change is real and it's going to accelerate, Science Policy Director J. Drake Hamilton cautioned them about being too pessimistic. "The situation is not hopeless, it's not a forgone conclusion" she said in this Rochester Post-Bulletin story.  

Hospitality on the Hill (Spring 2007) - In this issue of Meetings magazine, Executive Director Michael Noble discusses how the passage of a renewable energy standard that requires the state’s utilities to provide at least 25 percent of their electricity from wind, hydro, solar or biomass by 2025 could affect the hospitality industry.

U.S. should lead, not lag, in energy policies (4/07/2007) - Science Policy Director J. Drake Hamilton was quoted in this Minneapolis Star Tribune article about the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said the federal government can regulate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from vehicles under the 1970 Clean Air Act. CEOs of large corporations are calling for federal action on global warming pollution.

Can we buy our way to a greener world? (4/01/2007) - As the new market for carbon offsets booms, environmentalists and scientists are raising concerns. Some fear the trend will increase checkbook environmentalism without lifestyle changes. Others question whether consumers are adequately protected in a largely unregulated new marketplace."Proceed with caution," said Executive Director Michael Noble in this Minneapolis Star Tribune article. "Until there's more government oversight, it's a case of buyer beware for consumers."

Xcel solicits proposals for local wind projects (3/17/2007) - Ken Bradley, senior policy associate for Fresh Energy, is quoted in this St. Paul Pioneer Press article about how Xcel Energy is looking to buy more energy from locally-owned wind projects to pump 200 more megawatts of electricity onto its grid by the end of 2008 and save ratepayers about $10 million a year.

Clean energy push could doom plants (3/12/2007) - Executive Director Michael Noble is quoted in this Sioux Falls Argus Leader article about how limits on carbon dioxide emissions may complicate plans for new coal-fired power plants in South Dakota. "I think the tectonic plates are beginning to move on Wall Street, and smart money is shifting rapidly away from polluting and inefficient technology" said Noble.

Area mayors agree to act on climate change (3/02/2007) - Six Iron Range mayors have agreed to sign a nationwide climate protection agreement and representatives of three of those cities were on hand in Virginia, MN to learn more about the potentially devastating effects of climate change in northeastern Minnesota. Senior Policy Associate Ken Bradley, who presented at the event, said a 21st Century energy system would bring many benefits to Minnesota.

Gander Commits to Green Energy (3/02/2007) - Timothy Rose, Fresh Energy's media relations director, is quoted in this St. Paul Pioneer Press story about St. Paul-based retailer Gander Mountain. The sporting goods store is the latest in a growing number of companies making a commitment to renewable energy. 

Don't throw stones at Al Gore's house (3/01/2007) - Last year, Gore's mansion used almost 20 times as much electricity as the average American home. "The best response to Al Gore's energy usage is for us to think about our own," said Executive Director Michael Noble in this Minneapolis Star Tribune article. The issue is about taking responsibility for our energy use while supporting efforts to "change the entire energy system, top to bottom, to substitute energy-efficient and carbon-free energy for fossil fuels which lead to warming." 

Task is to move green energy from drawing board to power grid (2/23/2007) - Executive Director Michael Noble was quoted in this Rochester Post Bulletin story about what steps need to be taken now that a Renewable Electricity Standard has been passed and Minnesota is at the nation's renewable energy forefront. "We've got to get cracking" said Noble.

With new law, Minnesota sets pace for renewable energy (2/22/2007) - In this Associated Press story about Minnesota's Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) law, Executive Director Michael Noble was quoted about the aggressiveness of the legislation. Now that Governor Pawlenty has signed it into law, Minnesota officially has the strongest RES in the nation.

RES passage makes USA Today state news (2/21/2007) - Fresh Energy provided USA Today with news that the Renewable Electricity Standard passed both the state House and Senate and was on its way to the Governor's desk.The story was featured as the Minnesota state news of the day.

Town Hall event on renewable energy scheduled for Virginia Feb. 28 (2/18/2007) - This Mesaba Daily News article announced a town hall-style meeting that will focus on global warming and renewable energy and will feature Senior Policy Associate Ken Bradley. Bradley will discuss how renewable energy can safeguard the environment and potentially bring new jobs to the Iron Range.

Analysis: Wind power gains momentum (2/09/2007) - United Press International (UPI) - a highly respected global news service - quoted Executive Director Michael Noble in this story about wind power gains in Congress and in Minnesota. Noble noted that renewable energy is supported by Democrats, Republicans, consumers, business, and environmental groups: it is "a political marriage made in heaven."

Nation’s strictest clean energy bill gains steam (2/09/2007) - Fresh Energy's Senior Policy Associate Ken Bradley was quoted in this Tower Timberjay News story about the Renewable Energy Standard that swept the Minnesota Senate and has strong support in the House. Bradley explained that if Governor Pawlenty signs the bill, it would be the strongest Renewable Energy Standard in the nation.

Experts foresee climate chaos (2/05/2007) - In this Rochester Post Bulletin story about the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's global warming report, Science Policy Director J. Drake Hamilton explains that global warming could turn our world into "a planet we won't recognize," and that one of Minnesota's treasures that will be most affected is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Minnesota Scientist: Global warming report raises concerns (2/03/2007) - Science Policy Director J. Drake Hamilton was quoted in this Albert Lea Tribune story about the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's global warming report. Hamilton noted, “This is rock solid science. People should be very concerned.”

Warmer winters, greener thoughts (2/03/2007) - Science Policy Director J. Drake Hamilton was featured in this Saint Paul Pioneer Press story about how global warming could affect Minnesota gardeners. Hamilton recommends planting native species that need less water and fertilizer, and to dig up the grass and instead plant things that don't need to be watered regularly.

UN panel predicts worsening climate problems (2/02/2007) - After summarizing the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's "smoking gun" report, this Farm Futures story noted, "Energy policy organization Fresh Energy says the report shows the importance of continuing moves towards renewable fuels with lower emissions." The story ran in 19 of Farm Futures' sister publications nationwide.

Minnesota Legislature/Clean energy bill takes first step (2/02/2007) - Executive Director Michael Noble is quoted in this Saint Paul Pioneer Press piece about the unanimous committee vote to pass a 25 percent by 2025 Renewable Energy Standard to the Senate floor, and also Xcel Energy's recent announcement of a $210 million wind farm it's developing. Noble praised Xcel for stepping up "to do more than its share."

Science becoming "ever more certain" (2/02/2007) - Science Policy Director J. Drake Hamilton was the featured scientist in this Star Tribune story about the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's groundbreaking report on global warming. Minnesota's legislative session is good timing; Hamilton said "What [the report] means for elected leaders is that they should ramp up their work to get policies in place to reduce emissions."

Xcel plans $210M wind farm in state (2/01/2007) Fresh Energy's Science Policy Director, J. Drake Hamilton, was quoted in this Saint Paul Pioneer Press story about Xcel's wind farm proposal and a federal bill authored by Norm Coleman for regulating global warming emissions. But Hamilton points out that the plan only reduced the growth of carbon dioxide in the next ten years; it doesn't reduce the pollution overall. In order to reverse global warming by 2050, significant cuts in carbon dioxide will be necessary.

Local residents hear Arctic explorer talk in Winona on global warming (1/31/2007) - Fresh Energy's J. Drake Hamilton and polar explorer Will Steger were at the Frozen River Film Festival in Winona, Minnesota to discuss global warming impacts and solutions. This Spring Valley Tribune story quotes Fresh Energy's Executive Director, Michael Noble, recalling the passion he heard in an early conversation with Steger: "Hi, I'm Will Steger, and I've decided to dedicate the rest of my life to raising public awareness on global warming."

At Capitol, a new interest in global warming (1/31/2007) - An historic event took place at the Minnesota Capitol on January 30: A joint informational proceeding on global warming was held on the floor of the House. Fresh Energy helped organize the expert scientists, educators, and faith leaders who spoke about global warming's impacts and how we can slow it. The Saint Paul Pioneer Press quoted House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher (DFL Minneapolis), "I think there is a growing number of people and groups who are coming together to form the right environment for this issue to be heard at the legislative level."

Legislators told to act fast to slow global warming (1/31/2007) The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Dr. David Tillman of the University of Minnesota explained a "smorgasbord" of options to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, like energy efficiency and renewable energy, and Archbishop Larry Flynn of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Archdiocese said, "The entire human family needs to participate in solutions. We need to act for the common good today."

Schools hope to generate wind power, brain power (1/30/2007) - The School of Environmental Studies plans to capture renewable energy through the first wind turbine in Apple Valley and solar panels. This Minneapolis Star Tribune story cites Fresh Energy as a source of background information on other school districts in Minnesota that have harnessed the wind.

Paying the price (1/28/2007) - In this Fargo Forum story about the costs of Big Stone II, Michael Noble (identified as "Michael Nichols" erroneously) argued that coal companies are gambling by continuing to build coal plans when carbon regulation from the federal government is likely coming. "Who gets stuck with the cost when these inevitable regulations come into force? It's not an environmental question that Minnesota regulators are struggling with. It's an economic one."

To meet Minnesota mandate, researchers race to perfect green power (1/26/2007) - Ken Bradley, Fresh Energy's Senior Policy Associate, was quoted in this Associated Press story that has appeared in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, WCCO.com, and the Fargo Forum (free registration required). With a Renewable Energy Standard being debated in the legislature, researchers at the U of MN are experimenting thoroughly with nanotechnology and other technologies to make renewable energy even more efficient and economical. Bradley pointed out that in order to keep the market as open and competitive as possible, the Renewable Energy Standard doesn't exclude any technologies from being used to reach the goal of 25% renewables by 2020.

Speakers will bring new views to film fest (1/25/2007) - J. Drake Hamilton was quoted in this Winona Daily News article about the Frozen River Film Festival, which will kick off with polar explorer Will Steger's eyewitness accounts of global warming's impacts. Although the impacts are great, Hamilton noted, "It's not an unsolvable problem. We need to get more people engaged."

Minnesotans, delegation offer their views on speech (1/24/2007) - J. Drake Hamilton's comments to the Minneapolis Star Tribune on President Bush's State of the Union address: "The president tonight acknowledged that we have the serious challenge of global climate change, and he proposed a small increase in fuel economy standards by 2017—10 years out. That's a step in the right direction, but when you look at the extent of the problem we have, we need to deal comprehensively with all our [global warming] sources."

Advice for Exxon Mobil's Board (1/23/2007) - Michael Noble wrote this letter to the editor that appeared in the online edition of the Star Tribune. Noble called upon Exxon Mobile's directors in Minnesota to to start fresh on global warming: "Exxon Mobil must help lead, rather than block" global warming solutions.

Xcel joins call for greenhouse gas limits (1/23/2007) - Xcel Energy - one of the largest utilities in the country - sees carbon regulation coming soon and wants to help shape it. Michael Noble agreed in this St. Paul Pioneer Press article that limits are coming, and that "making more old-fashioned coal plants is 'foolhardy.'"

Local Energy's New Spin (1/19/2007) - Michael Noble is quoted in this Duluth News Tribune article about the first wind power pulsing through local power lines. Noble noted, "...Minnesota is definitely moving toward much more wind energy. It's very exciting that Minnesota Power is starting to get serious about [it]."

MPUC denies requests to reconsider site storage (1/17/2007) - This Monticello Times story reports that Fresh Energy, the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, and the North American Water Office had argued that long-term storage of the radioactive waste in Monticello poised risks that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) hadn't taken into account. Because no federal repository exists, the casks could become permanent. The PUC refused to reconsider its earlier decision.

Will Steger: Out of the Wilderness (1/14/2007) - Michael Noble was quoted in this Star Tribune front page feature. Fresh Energy is the first organization mentioned in the article, highlighting Will's mission to take the fight against global warming across the Twin Cities.

State poised to go green (1/07/2006) - Michael Noble was quoted in this St. Paul Pioneer Press story. Economic opportunity, environmental concerns, and national security are just a few factors that may move Minnesota toward a clean energy future this legislative session. Noble pointed out, "Minnesota has a fantastic opportunity in wind power...and we have both manufacturing and technology infrastructure that would support this industry."

New Media

State Needs More Action on Energy Policy, Report Says (11/06/07) - Senior Policy Associate Ken Bradley recalls the last legislative session as a huge first step in this Minnesota Monitor piece on energy conservation. More needs to be done with energy efficiency, but the state accomplished a lot last year, he says.

Global Warming (10/01/2007) - MSNBC lifted Sioux Falls' KDLT-TV’s story, which features Media Relations Director Timothy Rose at the South Dakota Climate Change Challenge. He says that renewable energy can bring long-term jobs that will be around for the public’s grandchildren.

Fresh Energy featured on AmericanGreen TV (7/19/2007) - Media Relations Director Timothy Rose was highlighted in a feature about Fresh Energy, produced by AmericanGreen TV. He stressed the need to find global warming solutions and expressed Midwesterners’ concern saying, “They don’t call us ‘The Heartland’ for nothing. We care deeply about...the land that we are going to pass on to our children and our grandchildren.”

Minnesota Renewable Energy Standard Signed Into Law (2/23/2007) - Executive Director Michael Noble was quoted on the blog "Watthead" in reference to the historic passing of the Renewable Electricity Standard in Minnesota. “This Renewable [Electricity] Standard blows open the door to a new electricity industry that will bring thousands of jobs and pump billions of dollars into Minnesota’s economy” said Michael Noble.

Blue-Green Alliance to host Duluth Conference (2/07/2007) - Workday Minnesota reports that a coalition of labor and environmental organizations, called the Blue-Green Alliance, will hold a conference on February 9 in Duluth to education the public on the impacts of global warming and how they can fight it. Speakers include Fresh Energy's Senior Policy Associate, Ken Bradley.