The true cost of oil with Anjali Bains and Nick Haeg Artwork

Decarbonize: The Clean Energy Podcast

Fresh Energy is speeding Minnesota’s transition to a clean energy economy, which will ensure that our region enjoys good health, a vibrant economy, and thriving communities today and for generations to come. Working purely in the public interest, Fresh Energy’s team of scientists, economists, policy analysts, and educators develops and advances solutions that secure a clean energy future where all can thrive. Sign up for our monthly listserv focused on clean energy issues in Minnesota here: https://fresh-energy.org/

All Episodes

Decarbonize: The Clean Energy Podcast

The true cost of oil with Anjali Bains and Nick Haeg

August 20, 2026 • Season 7 • Episode 8

0:00 | 36:56

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 Energy
Fire weather rec: Fresh Energy’s favorite climate books for 2025 - Fresh Energy
Merchants of Doubt: Climate Book Club - 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/