Blog

The 2019 Minnesota legislative session is officially a wrap. With a new governor and a slate of new legislators, change was in the air at the start of session. Several bold policy proposals aimed to facilitate ambitious clean energy growth in the state. CEEM and the clean energy industry asserted a strong position in important policy debates. In the end, however, significant divisions between the DFL-led House of Representatives and the Republican-led Senate meant fairly little policy was enacted.

Brian Scott is a science teacher on a mission. His goal is to increase sustainable practices in his school’s operations and support his students on their pathway to science-based careers. Following the USGBC Green Schools and IMPACT sustainability conferences, Brian wanted to introduce his students to a professional working in clean energy.

My name is Claire Lund and I am very excited to be working with Clean Energy Economy Minnesota as their Business Development and Programs Intern! This fall I will begin my junior year at Bemidji State University.

Nearly 700 senior corporate executives, investors, capital market leaders and policy makers met this April to discuss how to “Get US There!” – to a just and sustainable global economy, the theme of Ceres 2019 conference which two of our Clean Energy Economy MN team members attended.

We have reached the final days of legislative session for 2019. The House and Senate have both passed versions of energy policy. The policy proposals are now sent to a Conference Committee- a select set of five representatives and five senators to debate and come to an agreement. 

With what feels like a very important report rollout happening every few weeks in the clean energy community, how does one keep it all straight? We break down the seven most important things to remember in the 2019 Clean Jobs Midwest Report.

The 2019 legislative deadline of May 20 is quickly approaching! The next stage involves discussion of both House and Senate respective policy packages.

Clean Energy Economy Minnesota is seeking a Communications and Marketing Intern to work in Minneapolis, MN and support communications engagement with the clean energy business community statewide.

It’s been a fast-paced month as March winds down and the legislature hurries to meet legislative deadlines. This week we review the top three important things that took place in the clean energy world recently at the Minnesota Legislature.

We break down the five biggest takeaways from the just released Minnesota State Energy Factsheet, and how the clean energy community can leverage the new data.

February continued momentum in a very active early session for clean energy. Hot topics include improvements to commercial clean energy financing options, continuing discussions on community solar gardens in the Senate, a bill proposing requiring customers have access to their energy usage data, proposals for solar on schools, and changes to energy efficiency policies.

The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy notes that upfront costs are a major barrier to pursuing energy efficiency projects, while solar PV installations and other renewable energy projects can face similar challenges.

Governor Walz declared February 13 as ‘Clean Energy Business Day’ across the state of Minnesota -- in large part due to the innovation and talents of the clean energy business community who have helped create nearly 60,000 jobs.

With another year behind us, it's time to look back at some of the biggest gains for clean energy in Minnesota!

Small and medium businesses represent 90% of US businesses and consume about 20% of US energy, but they attract less than 4% of utility energy efficiency spending. That’s why CEEM joined the Twin Cities Small Business Energy Initiative to support a local solution, led by the Great Plains Institute and the Lake Street Council, based off of work happening nationwide called the Small Business Energy Initiative.

As 2018 comes to a close, we reflected on some of the work we are most proud of from the past year. To our members, partners, and collaborators, thank you for working with us! We look forward to a productive 2019.

Did you know organic material like forest thinnings and manure from farm animals is a great source of energy? It’s called bioenergy and can be used to power heating, cooling, and generate electricity -- and at Koda Energy in Shakopee, Minnesota, that’s exactly what’s being done!

Koda Energy’s story is so fantastic the company was featured in this year’s video for National Bioenergy Day, check it out!

I’m passionate about addressing challenges to redefine our relationship with energy -- how it is generated, consumed, how companies can be innovative and grow, and how we can collectively do good things together in the energy sector.

There are many ways to arrive at the same conclusion: energy efficiency is just a smart business decision.

"Save energy. Save money. Anyone can be a part of the solution.” That is the battle cry of this year’s 3rd Annual Energy Efficiency Day - a day dedicated to celebrating the many benefits energy efficiency provides nationwide. Find out how you can participate locally and make a difference in your community, and on your energy bill!