We had the chance to talk with Michael Noble, Executive Director of Fresh Energyon the KAXE/KBXE Morning Show today. We asked Michael to look back at 2021 and give us the good news when it comes to cleaner energy and a stronger economy. Here are some of the stories he highlighted:
Xcel Energy cancels plans for new fossil gas plant. After three years of Fresh Energy analysis and advocacy, Xcel Energy removed plans for a new fossil gas plant in Becker, Minnesota, from its Integrated Resource Plan. This move will save Xcel customers hundreds of millions of dollars and prevent tons of new greenhouse gas emissions.
Minnesota Legislature makes broad investments in solar. The final 2021 bonding bill included a suite of new investments in Minnesota’s growing solar energy sector. The bill included over $18 million for solar on schools, a two-year extension of Xcel’s Solar Rewards, and more.
Multiple EV charging pilots advancing. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved Minnesota Power’s Residential Charging Rewards and Rebate Pilot, a proposal Fresh Energy supported and advocated for renters and multifamily residents to be eligible. Fresh Energy was also a key supporter of Xcel Energy’s $4.4 million proposal to install charging stations at both market-rate and affordable
multifamily housing, a first-of-its-kind solution that will expand home charging to more EV owners.
Minnesota becomes the first “clean cars” state in the Midwest and 15th in the country. The culmination of 13 years of research and advocacy at Fresh Energy, Minnesota’s adoption of clean car standards is a major step forward in getting our state back on track to meet its climate goals, and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1 million metric tons annually by 2030 and 2.5 million metric tons annually by 2050. The policy will also increase Minnesotans’ options for electric vehicles, protect our pocketbooks at the gas pump and slash maintenance costs, help grow the state’s economy by keeping energy dollars local, and position Minnesota as a place for EV innovation and investment.
