MN350 blog

Shaping the narrative about climate justice throughout Minnesota
ED Talks: Preparing for energy democracy
ED Talks: Preparing for energy democracy

You flip the switch. The light comes on. What does a simple action like that have to do with a great big idea like energy democracy? Let’s start with energy democracy. At its simplest, energy democracy occurs when the people who use energy are the people who make decisions about it—where it comes from, how… Read more »

Climate change: What to read, watch, and listen to
Climate change: What to read, watch, and listen to

This isn’t a post about how to be productive during coronavirus. I started writing this post in January and since then, my productivity has plummeted (understandably so). In fact, my number one recommendation for entertainment while we are staying at home would be Schitt’s Creek. I know I’m behind the times, but it’s been a… Read more »

Launch of new campaign
Launch of new campaign

The ECO Act is gaining momentum at the Minnesota Legislature with bipartisan support. The bill would support jobs, economic development, and energy efficiency measures directly benefiting Minnesotans. Fresh Energy wrote this detailed roundup of the legislation and its benefits. MN350 supports the ECO Act and has launched a campaign targeting the MN Chamber of Commerce,… Read more »

What’s happening with sustainability at Macalester College?
What’s happening with sustainability at Macalester College?

Editor’s note: Macalester College has been a strong MN350 partner for years. Dozens of Macalester students serve as volunteer leaders or interns every semester, and Macalester professors are among our most active supporters. During this time of uncertainty, it’s easy to dwell on the stalled development of climate solutions. However, we can treat this as… Read more »

Earth Day action for clean energy jobs

Nicole here on the blog, and it’s my first time publishing a piece. I’m honored to be co-writing it with Danielle, one of our climate justice organizers at MN350 and a dear friend of mine. Within MN350, I serve as the statewide organizing director. To break that down, I essentially get to peek into all… Read more »

Celebrate a win: Minnesota will pilot electric school buses
Celebrate a win: Minnesota will pilot electric school buses

KSTP reported this week that Minnesota will begin a pilot electric school bus program using funds received in the national Volkswagen settlement. MN350 Action and our dedicated volunteers pushed for electric school buses to be part of Minnesota’s efforts, and it’s gratifying to see our grassroots organizing paying off. This is not only a win… Read more »

Climate change denial: A case study

This blog post examines a typical consumer we call Leslie to pinpoint reasons for her climate change denial and suggest ways she can embrace a more planet-friendly lifestyle. *  *  * What do we mean when we say that someone is “in denial”? Betty is deep in debt, and yet she continues to max out… Read more »

Why racial justice is central to our work

Here’s a question that often comes up for folks at MN350 when discussing the climate crisis: Isn’t it too time-consuming to spend time on racial justice, given the severity of the climate crisis and the importance of moving full steam ahead to address it? The question is relevant in face of the daily revelations of… Read more »

Speak up: no Line 3 water permits
Speak up: no Line 3 water permits

As tar sands oil prices continue to plummet, it’s clear that we need to stop the Line 3 pipeline to protect our climate, our water, and our communities from crisis. You can help make sure Enbridge never gets the permits they need. Right now, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has the power to deny… Read more »

MN350 COVID-19 update

Those of us in the climate movement are no stranger to dealing with confusion and fear, mixed with periods of immediate crisis. As the coronavirus has shut down life in Minnesota this week, and much of our work has moved online, the crisis is hitting us in a variety of ways: physically, mentally, emotionally, and… Read more »