Overview
The goal of this coalition is to create and realize an equitable, consumer-centric vision for a Minnesota with clean, affordable, and safe heating and cooking.
Background
Emissions from fossil gas usage in buildings and industry are a significant source of Minnesota’s greenhouse gas emissions – and the state won’t reach our climate goals without addressing fossil gas use in buildings. While there has been a concerted effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the electric and transportation sectors, the gas system has received considerably less attention. Gas utilities are doubling down, continuing to invest billions of dollars in long-term infrastructure.
Minnesota needs to act now to address climate change and to ensure affordability/equity in our energy future. Recent high prices, state legislative action, and extreme weather events create additional impetus to change our energy trajectory. The stakes are enormous for our climate, health and jobs. If we do not act, we’ll miss our climate goals, end up foisting a ton of stranded asset costs on the people least able to afford it, and/or both.
The state is beginning to have a broader policy and public debate on the role of fossil gas in our buildings. In particular, there are critical opportunities to influence public opinion and policy by engaging in upcoming proceedings at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on the future of gas. The PUC has already taken action in response to rising and volatile gas prices, and we have an opportunity to move them to take action regarding the future of the gas system. We must leverage this moment and establish meaningful policy changes that will accelerate a just and equitable transition away from fossil gas.
A People-Centered Coalition
We are developing a people-centered coalition to slash emissions from fossil gas that is used in our homes and buildings. The coalition’s goal is to fully decarbonize building gas use quickly and equitably. By law, it is the goal of the state of Minnesota to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors by at least 50% by 2030, and to reach net zero by 2050. The 2023 International Panel on Climate Change warned that urgent action is needed to address the “rapidly escalating hazards” of climate change. (source)
• Technical capacity on carbon reduction, utility economics, and regulatory politics;
• A commitment to consumer protection to ensure ratepayers – especially from low- and moderate-income communities, historically marginalized communities, and communities that have already been harmed by fossil fuels – are not left to pay the cost of the transition away from gas, but are instead beneficiaries; and
• An equity-centered approach and organizing capacity that effectively engages impacted constituencies, drives strategies to reduce disparities, and improves access to regulatory decision-making.
Campaign partners commit to cooperation in service to the shared objectives outlined here. We do not expect partners to speak with a unified voice nor to be in complete agreement on all matters of policy and strategy. However, regardless of work outside the coalition and differences in policy and/or strategy,
• Individuals and groups will communicate differences respectfully.
• No individuals or groups will go against the campaign objectives.
• Organizations will honor the Jemez principles for organizing.
Within this structure, the coalition plans to create specialized teams to lead and operationalize specific aspects of the work, including:
• Policy/Technical Team (meets every/other week for 1 hour)
• Communications Team (meets every/other week for 1 hour)
• Grassroots/Organizing Team (meets every/other week for 1 hour)
• Full Coalition (will meet monthly once the coalition is established)