Blog
Policy priorities for the 2021 Minnesota legislative session
January 20, 2021
Clean Energy Economy MN (CEEM) develops and supports public policy that promotes the growth of clean energy jobs and the economic opportunities provided by clean, affordable and reliable energy. Working with state lawmakers between the aisle (not across it), and alongside government policy and regulatory agencies, CEEM provides the business voice of clean energy to help shape policy decisions and grow clean energy market opportunities.
Minnesota’s Unstoppable PACE
October 2, 2019
This innovative financing tool has made big waves in Minnesota’s clean energy marketplace, particularly in recent months due to a policy fix that CEEM advocated for in the last legislative session.
CEEM member companies to Congress: Support Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction
September 11, 2019
The argument for encouraging building owners to choose energy efficient options is a smart economic decision – and one that benefits all Minnesotans. Efficiency is cheap: the cost to save one kilowatt hour is about 2 cents; compare that to the cost to buy a kilowatt of electricity, which averages 8 cents. We asked that our Minnesota elected officials support a multi-year extension of the Section 179D provision through at least 2020, and we would strongly support extending it beyond 2020.
Q & A with CEEM’s summer interns
September 4, 2019
With summer winding down and the return of school quickly approaching, interns Claire Lund and Petra Holtze wanted to reflect on their time here at CEEM.
7 clean energy policy acronyms you should know about
August 26, 2019
Working in the clean energy ecosystem inevitably leads to an ‘alphabet soup’ of acronyms. This is the first of a several-part blog series breaking down the many acronyms that help power Minnesota’s clean energy economy.
How one key financing option can deliver BIG energy savings
August 15, 2019
With such a huge footprint, the building sector is a critical target for energy efficiency measures. However, it can be difficult for large institutions, particularly public entities like schools or government buildings, but also hospitals and universities, to find the funds for energy efficiency projects. That’s where Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) can be a helpful tool.
Clean Energy Economy Minnesota Goes to Washington
August 7, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Clean Energy Economy MN visited with Congressional offices, spreading the important news of how clean energy costs are trending lower, while clean energy jobs continue to grow.
Minnesota farmers lean into renewable energy conversations
August 6, 2019
The Minnesota Farmers Union recently held Renewable Energy Working Sessions around the state to help engage informed conversations about energy efficiency options on Minnesota farms and surrounding regions. CEEM was invited to be a part of their workshops in Saint Peter, Aitkin, and Marshall to bring our industry knowledge and share the positive economic impacts of clean energy.
How big tech is driving sustainability in the hospitality industry
June 18, 2019
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) estimates that hotels represent more than five billion square feet of space in the US alone. Spaces that operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. With such a large footprint, sustainability needs to be top of mind, especially as society is increasingly asking for more ways to protect our resources and be more efficient with our energy use.
Introducing Petra Holtze -- Communications and Marketing Intern
June 5, 2019
My name is Petra Holtze and I am incredibly excited to join the Clean Energy Economy Minnesota team as their Communications and Marketing Intern beginning this summer!
Clean Energy at the Capitol : A Review of the 2019 Legislative Session
May 31, 2019
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.
Getting Schooled on Energy Efficiency
May 20, 2019
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.
Introducing Claire Lund - Business Development & Programs Intern
May 16, 2019
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.
Going Beyond the Concept of a Clean Energy Economy
May 9, 2019
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.
CEEM Legislative Update
May 7, 2019
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.
Top 7 things to remember from the 2019 Clean Jobs Midwest Report
April 11, 2019
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.
Legislative Update: The good, the bad, and the "needs improvement"
April 3, 2019
The 2019 legislative deadline of May 20 is quickly approaching! The next stage involves discussion of both House and Senate respective policy packages.
Hiring: Communications and Marketing Intern
April 3, 2019
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.
Top 3 things happening in clean energy right now
March 21, 2019
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.
Top 5 takeaways from the Minnesota State Energy Factsheet
March 14, 2019
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.