Advertise on podcast: Decarbonize: The Clean Energy Podcast

In this episode, Fresh Energy's Isak Kvam, Anjali Bains, and Nick Haeg dig into the true cost of oil and why our dependence on it extends far beyond what we pay at the pump. From its outsized role in transportation and climate pollution to decades of subsidies, lobbying, and policy decisions that have entrenched fossil fuels in our economy, they explore how oil has shaped our energy system and the challenges of moving beyond it.  They also examine the hidden costs borne by taxpayers, the impacts of global conflicts and market volatility on household budgets, and why investments in clean transportation, renewable energy, and electrification offer a path to greater affordability, energy security, and healthier communities.  Join them for this conversation as they separate myth from reality and uncover what it will take to build a cleaner, more resilient energy future. Additional reading and in-podcast book recs!: "The true cost of oil" blog post from Fresh EnergyFire weather rec: Fresh Energy’s favorite climate books for 2025 - Fresh EnergyMerchants of Doubt: Climate Book Club - Fresh EnergyFresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org. Follow us on Social Media! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/ Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.social Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytoday LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

In 2025, over one-third of U.S. households skipped or cut back on medication, food, or other necessities to pay an energy bill. A quarter were unable to pay an energy bill in full, and in 2024, 2.7 million households had their utility service shut off due to non-payment. A lack of affordable housing, rising energy bills, and increasing greenhouse gas emissions threaten the health and wellbeing of all Americans. These interconnected problems won’t go away on their own. Energy prices are likely to keep going up. But despite volatility and upward pressure on energy prices, there is still a lot that Minnesota’s decision makers can do to keep bills from skyrocketing. One of the best policy tools we have to address these problems is the energy code: by making our homes more energy efficient, we can also make them more affordable and emit fewer climate-polluting gases. In this podcast episode, Eric Fowler and Isak Kvam go deep on why efficient homes are affordable homes and what role the energy code has to play. Additional reading from the Fresh Energy blog: Efficient homes are affordable homes, Pt. 1Efficient homes are affordable homes, Pt. IIFresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org. Follow us on Social Media! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/ Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.social Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytoday LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

In this episode of Decarbonize: The Clean Energy Podcast, Fresh Energy's Isak Kvam is joined by Anjali Bains and Brandon Isakson to explore how Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and green hydrogen can help tackle one of the toughest transportation sectors to decarbonize: aviation.  The conversation breaks down how power-to-liquid SAF, made from green hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide, can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 90% while serving as a drop-in replacement for conventional jet fuel. Listeners will also learn why Minnesota is well positioned to become a leader in this emerging industry thanks to new state policies, abundant feedstocks, and growing private-sector investment.  Tune in for an inside look at the technologies, policies, and economic opportunities that could help Minnesota chart a cleaner future for flight. Further reading: Minnesota now incentivizes green hydrogen to produce SAF, a key climate technologyWhat's up with Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Minnesota?The true cost of oilFresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org. Follow us on Social Media! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/ Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.social Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytoday LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

Let’s talk about what happened at the Minnesota Legislature in 2026! Join Fresh Energy policy experts for a webinar we recorded the day after the legislative session ended to learn what we're celebrating, what was defended, what's next, and more. Webinar guests: Justin Fay, chief program officerBrynn Kirsling, director, legislative and grassroots advocacyMolly McMullen, session associate Anjali Bains, managing director, transportation  Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org. Follow us on Social Media! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/ Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.social Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytoday LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

As Minnesota advances toward its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 — what are some of the most actionable and cost-effective decarbonization opportunities for this sector?    In April, Fresh Energy and The 2035 Initiative co-authored a new study, “Advancing Industrial Electrification in Minnesota,” that charts practical policy pathways for decarbonizing the manufacturing sector.   Listen to this latest episode to hear from the report's authors, including The 2035 Initiative’s Dr. Leah Stokes and Dr. Eric Masanet and Fresh Energy’s Brandon Isakson, with opening remarks from Pete Wyckoff, Deputy Commissioner of Energy Resources at the Minnesota Department of Commerce and Kate Knuth, Climate Director at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The group will dig into the details of the report, discuss policy pathways, and answer audience questions.  Resources: Download the studyView a recording of the webinarFresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org. Follow us on Social Media! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/ Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.social Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytoday LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

Pollution doesn't affect everyone equally — and Minnesota is doing something about it.  In our latest episode of "Decarbonize: The Clean Energy Podcast" Fresh Energy's Isak Kvam sits down with Fresh Energy staff Janiece Watts and Ethan Culver, and Sasha and Monse from our partner organization, COPAL, to discuss the Cumulative Impacts law, environmental justice history in Minnesota, and ways you can take action.  Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org. Follow us on Social Media! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/ Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.social Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytoday LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

Electricity demand is growing in Minnesota and across the country. Much of this growth is coming from large electricity users such as hyperscale data centers, electrified industrial processes, and beyond. It is crucial that these new electricity needs be met with clean energy solutions — not with new fossil generation. Join us for a conversation about how distributed energy solutions can help meet growing electricity demand while also creating opportunities to strengthen workforce and supplier diversity. Guests:  Tim Hade, Air Force veteran and Co-Founder, Scale Microgrids Will Mulhern, Director, Electricity, Fresh Energy Mark Sebree, President, Sebree Consulting  Moderator: Shubha Harris, Chief Equity Policy Officer, Fresh Energy  Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org. Follow us on Social Media! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/ Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.social Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytoday LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

The 2026 session of the Minnesota Legislature begins on February 17. Join the Fresh Energy team for a conversation about what we expect for the coming session and our plans to meet the challenge of climate change. Podcast Guests: Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Chief Executive OfficerJustin Fay, Chief Program OfficerBrynn Kirsling, Director, Legislative and Grassroots Advocacy   Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org. Follow us on Social Media! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/ Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.social Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytoday LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was held in Belem, Brazil from November 10-21, 2025. J. Drake Hamilton, managing director, science policy at Fresh Energy, attended the conference virtually and recently sat down with Isak Kvam for a webinar to debrief outcomes and take questions. Tune in and check out J.'s blog series with frequent updates throughout COP. Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org. Follow us on Social Media! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/ Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.social Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytoday LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

Join Fresh Energy's Eric Fowler and Isak Kvam for a conversation about why building energy codes matter for Minnesota's climate goals and to unpack upcoming residential building code updates that will make our buildings more efficient, affordable, and climate-friendly. This wide-ranging conversation covers everything from air tightness to insulation requirements and everything in between.  Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org. Follow us on Social Media! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/ Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.social Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytoday LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

Over 550 people from across Minnesota and the Midwest attended Fresh Energy’s 10th annual Benefit Breakfast on the morning of September 30, 2025, to celebrate the resilience and determination driving clean energy progress in Minnesota, share our vision for navigating uncertain times, and reflect on how local leadership is creating a new playbook for climate action.  Breakfast speakers in this recording include: Dr. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer of Fresh EnergyKarie Kirschbaum, community development director for the City of Crookston and co-founder of Empower Crookston Bob Blake, founder and CEO of Solar Bear and Executive Director of Native Sun Community Power Development  Alex Savelli, global executive director – electrolyzers at Accelera by Cummins  If you missed the event, want to share it with a friend, or experience it again, watch the full event here or by viewing the video below. Be sure to check out these great photos from the event. And finally: support Fresh Energy’s important work by making a donation today.  Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org. Follow us on Social Media! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/ Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.social Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytoday LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

On July 4, 2025, the federal budget reconciliation bill was signed into law, a move that will have sweeping implications for clean energy and climate progress in the United States. But how will these cuts and changes impact Minnesota’s clean energy future?  Tune into the audio recording of our webinar from August 6 and join our policy experts for a discussion about the law’s implications for clean energy. We also have a lengthy blog on the topic that you can check out here. Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org. Follow us on Social Media! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/ Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.social Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytoday LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

In this episode, the Fresh Energy team discusses the challenging topic of mining and the transition to clean energy. The conversation covers a broad range of topics including investments in clean energy and the need for materials, material waste and recycling, the socioeconomic impacts of mining, what gets mined and what it's used for, the global demand for these materials, and more.    Tune into this episode hosted by Justin Fay, Chief Advocacy Officer at Fresh Energy with guests Brandon Isakson, Managing Director of Industry at Fresh Energy and Kwezi Tabaro, who joined Fresh Energy as a Fulbright, H. Humphrey Fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org. Follow us on Social Media! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/ Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.social Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytoday LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

Let’s talk about what happened (or still needs to happen) at the Minnesota Legislature! Join Fresh Energy policy experts for a webinar we recorded the day after the legislative session ended to learn what where things currently stand, what was defended, what's next, and more. Webinar guests: Justin Fay, chief advocacy officerBrynn Kirsling, director, legislative and grassroots advocacyJackson Sweeney, session associate  Also... The Fresh Energy team is able to give clean energy and climate policy in Minnesota our all because of our donors! You can support Fresh Energy's work here.Fresh Energy is hiring! Learn about job opportunities here.Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org. Follow us on Social Media! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/ Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.social Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytoday LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

More and more Minnesotans are leveling up their lawn care with an electric mower. But do they live up to the hype and can they tackle the tough stuff? The good news is that for most residential uses, and increasingly more and more commercial uses, electric mowers are actually a superior and more economical choice than gas mowers. Battery technology has advanced dramatically in the past decade and due to this, we’re seeing more powerful electric cars and more capable electric lawnmowers. Join us for a webinar we recently recorded with Jukka Kukkonen and guests from Fresh Energy and the Minnesota clean Cities Coalition. View the video version of the webinar here: https://fresh-energy.org/event/webinar-your-guide-to-mowing-electric Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org. Follow us on Social Media! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/ Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.social Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytoday LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/