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

Decarbonize: The Clean Energy Podcast

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.