What does Minnesota Power’s long-range plan mean for equity and public health? Artwork

Decarbonize: The Clean Energy Podcast

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Decarbonize: The Clean Energy Podcast

What does Minnesota Power’s long-range plan mean for equity and public health?

May 19, 2022 • Fresh Energy • Season 3 • Episode 11

The investments utilities make in energy infrastructure, including coal and gas plants, have significant impacts on public health, environmental justice, equity, and more. Minnesota’s leaders, policymakers, community advocates, and all who live here should have the opportunity to understand these impacts. Additionally, both utilities and regulators should consider these impacts in long-range utility planning. Together, Fresh Energy, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA), Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light, Sierra Club, Union of Concerned Scientists, and researchers from PSE Healthy Energy sat down to talk about it!

This webinar dug into a recent study that delves into the equity and health impacts of Minnesota Power’s long-range plan, also known as an Integrated Resource Plan. PSE’s research revealed some significant findings about air pollution and negative health impacts from the utility’s coal and biomass plants that disproportionately impact under-resourced and Native communities.

Presenters and Panelists

Kelsey Bilsback, PhD | she/her | PSE Healthy Energy
Barbara Freese | Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA)
James Gignac | he/him | Union of Concerned Scientists
Bret Pence | he/him | Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light
Isabel Ricker | she/her | Fresh Energy
Jenna Yeakle | she/her | Sierra Club
Moderator: Jo Olson | she/her | Fresh Energy

Additional resources:

YouTube recording.
Want to better understand Integrated Resource Planning? Check out our explainer blog post.
Learn more about what Clean Grid Alliance, MCEA, Sierra Club, and Fresh Energy filed as comments at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission in the Minnesota Power IRP docket.
View the full health impacts report from PSE.

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.

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