ABOUT THE PROGRAM

In early August, the Obama Administration released the final Clean Power Plan – the nation’s first ever standard to address carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants. Under the plan, utilities must begin to reduce greenhouse gas emissions starting in 2022. The final rule requires Minnesota to cut its carbon dioxide emissions rate by 42% below 2012 levels by the year 2030. 

In response, Minnesota must submit a plan for how the state will achieve its emissions reduction target to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The good news is Minnesota, as a national leader on energy efficiency with an ever-expanding renewable energy portfolio, is well positioned to meet its reduction target.

Despite Minnesota’s position, many important choices about how to meet Clean Power Plan targets remain. At this forum we’ll discuss:

     -Key decisions that will go into building Minnesota’s plan, including how we will measure emissions targets and reductions;
     -Trade-offs associated with the choices we make and how various options could affect different stakeholders;
     -Relationships between the Clean Power Plan and Minnesota’s existing climate and energy goals and policies;
     -Ways to engage in the development of Minnesota’s plan.

Participate in this cross-sector conversation to gain a better understanding of – and get engaged in forming – Minnesota’s response to this landmark regulation. 

SPEAKERS

– Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith
– Michael Cashin, Environmental Policy Advisor, Minnesota Power (ALLETE)
– Leigh Currie, Staff Attorney, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy
– Bill Grant, Deputy Commissioner of Energy and Telecommunications, Minnesota Department of Commerce
– J. Drake Hamilton, Science Policy Director, Fresh Energy
– Andy Kellen, Vice President – Power Supply Resources, WPPI Energy
– Frank Kohlasch, Manager, Air Assessment Section, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
– Priti Patel, Regional Executive, Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)(invited)
– Michelle Rosier, Senior Campaign and Organizing Manager, Sierra Club
– Nick Martin, Manager, Environmental Policy, Xcel Energy
– Drew Moratzka, Partner, Stoel Rives (Large Industrial Users Group)
– Rolf Nordstrom, President & CEO, Great Plains Initiative
– Mark Thoma, Manager, Environmental Services, Otter Tail Power Company
– David Thornton, Assistant Commissioner, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

View the agenda »

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Registration will remain open until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9, or as space allows. Register early, as space is limited. Need-based scholarships are available upon request. Register now »

Contact Meleah Houseknecht at 612-334-3388 ext. 104 for questions or to inquire about a scholarship rate.
Contact Sacha Seymour-Anderson at 651-308-4950 for questions about registration.

Let us know you’re coming or share your questions using the hashtag #policyforum on Twitter. You can also follow us at @EnvInitiative.