Monthly Meetings 2023

Clean Energy Resource Teams 

Joel Haskard, is the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) Co-Director for the University of Minnesota’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships and Extension.  He will share information about CERTS and its role with the energy transition relevant to everyone. Joel's current focus areas include MN Energy Stories, electric vehicles (EVs), and helping Minnesotans reduce their energy burden to below 5% of their monthly income.  We will also learn about their Inflation Reduction Act Ambassador program.

Our Third Chapter Birthday! 

Time to look back on 2023/look ahead to 2024

Breakout sessions and discussion.

Plan for Savings with Home Energy Squad
Stacy Boots Camp, Center for Energy and Environment Outreach Manager  

As Outreach Manager, Stacy oversees outreach and recruitment for several residential programs at CEE. Stacy highlighted the role of CEE to do home audits, review home efficiency opportunities, and incentives with the IRA--a solid beginning with the IRA.

Grandparent Month Celebration!

Our annual meeting in celebration of Grandparent Month!  This gathering was an opportunity to come together in a casual gathering to experience and reflect on the question "Are we being good ancestors?"  

Our speaker was J. Drake Hamilton, Senior Director, Science Policy at Fresh Energy 

J is an expert in climate and energy policy at the state and national levels, her responsibilities include scientific analysis and policy development of clean energy solutions to global warming that will maximize economic opportunities. She updated us on the work of Fresh Energy, areas and issues of focus, and ways ECA-TC can be supportive of specific actions/events. 

Our speaker is Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt, Ramsey County District 7.  She updated us about Ramsey County initiatives related to the environment/climate change.

Victoria Reinhardt has served on the County Board of Commissioners since 1997 and has a long history of regional and environmental activism as a coalition builder. She currently serves as Vice-Chairperson of the Ramsey/Washington Recycling and Energy Board, Partnership on Waste and Energy and the Energy, Environment and Land Use Steering Committee of the National Association of Counties.  

Waste and Sustainable Materials Management in Hennepin County

Carolyn Collopy, Supervising Environmentalist

Carolyn discussed the country's recently developed Zero Waste Plan and the connections between waste and sustainable materials management and climate change.  

How to be a Climate Activist in Your Own Backyard

Cass Markovich, ECA-TC member

Cass started creating her native garden in 2018 after connecting with the organization “Wild Ones.”  That experience opened her eyes and heart to a world of plants and animals.  She went from a "Never a Gardener" to a native garden enthusiast.  

What is Environmental Ethics and Why Should We Decolonize Our Thinking?

Ruth Crapo Kim, Department of Philosophy at Minneapolis College and an affiliate faculty at The Pennsylvania State University. 

This brief session introduced participants to Environmental Ethics, a branch of philosophy that focuses on how we think about concepts like the environment, nature, animals, ecosystems, species, conservation, preservation, and extinction.  

Oregon ECA Chapter Progress

Presentation by Michael Allen, co-leader of Oregon ECA chapter.  With our focus on hope and action this year, Mike will share information about his chapter and its evolution (similar age to ours) and more importantly, their local activism.

The 100% Green Energy Bill:  The behind the scene organizing, passage in the House and Senate (and celebrating) and legislatively, what is next?

Chris Conry, Campaign Director of the 100% Campaign

Building Political Will for a Livable World

Paul Thompson and members from the Minneapolis chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby.  Following the 20-minute presentation, members facilitated a discussion on how CCL tools and training can support ECA’s path to success.