Rebecca Kling, rebecca.kling@sierraclub.org
MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- Today, the the Energy We Can’t Afford coalition--which includes, SP350, MN350, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, Vote Solar, Environment Minnesota, Community Power, Fresh Energy, Cooperative Energy Futures, and the Sierra Club--launched a public education campaign to inform Minnesotans that so-called “natural gas” is primarily methane, a dirty and dangerous fossil fuel. In addition to public health concerns around processing, transporting, and burning methane, methane released directly into the atmosphere during the extraction and transportation of gas also heats the planet eighty times faster than the carbon dioxide released from burning fossil fuels like coal, gas or oil.
“Don’t let the word ‘natural’ fool you,” said Jessica Tritsch, Senior Campaign Representative at the Sierra Club. “Fossil fuel interests want us to believe that methane, so-called 'natural gas,' is a clean energy source. That’s why fossil fuel companies are paying for ads promoting gas stoves and labeling methane power plants as ‘clean energy,’ instead of acknowledging methane for the dangerous greenhouse gas that it is.”
“Minnesotans deserve safe, clean, and reliable energy — and to know the truth about so-called natural gas,” said Jenna Warmuth, Midwest Regional Director at Vote Solar. “Despite large-scale disinformation campaigns from fossil fuel interests, methane is not a clean energy source and has no place in our clean energy future.”
“In order to achieve the level of carbon reductions supported by the latest science and to meet Minnesota’s state-level goals, Minnesotans must move beyond fossil gas where they live and work," said Joe Dammel, Director of Gas Decarbonization at Fresh Energy. "To support this work, Fresh Energy is collaborating with partners to increase public awareness about the serious health and safety impact of burning fossil gas. We are also working on smart policies and laws that will help end our dependence on fossil gas, reform gas utility regulation, and drive equitable, transformational change in Minnesota."
"As coal plants retire, overreliance on methane gas for heat and electricity is a growing threat to our climate progress and public health," said Meghan Hassett, Midwest Clean Energy Advocate for the Climate and Energy program at the Union of Concerned Scientists. "Analysis shows that in order to meet emission reduction targets that align with the latest climate science, we must reduce our use of methane gas. In addition to heat-trapping emissions that drive climate change, burning methane gas releases dangerous pollutants that create smog and harm air quality, leading to increases in asthma attacks, lung cancer and premature deaths."
“A recent report from the International Energy Agency makes clear that gas can not be used in developed countries beyond 2035 - the date by which the power sector must be decarbonized”, said Brett Benson, Deputy Director of MN350. “The implication of this is that there can be no gas plants operating beyond 2035. And since the life of a gas plant typically extends for a minimum of 25 years, Minnesota shouldn’t be investing in new gas plants like NTEC. Our utilities need to pivot rapidly to renewable energy. Energy from sources like wind and solar power, resources we produce right here in our own state, are already cheaper than producing energy from new fossil gas plants.”
“Multiple studies have indicated that wind and solar and energy storage will meet our demand for power, even at peak times of use. Methane gas is 84 times more dangerous for our climate than CO2, and it is no longer necessary. Wind and Solar works!” said Chuck Derry, resident of Clearwater, MN
The public education campaign includes billboards across Minnesota, digital advertising, mailers, and more. To learn more and get involved, visit https://energywecantafford.org/natural-gas-is-methane/.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.
About MN350
MN350 unites Minnesotans as part of a global movement to end the pollution damaging our climate, speed the transition to clean energy, and create a just and healthy future for all. For more information, visit www.mn350.org
About Saint Paul 350
Saint Paul 350 is a grass roots organization of residents who are committed to ending the fossil fuel pollution that is damaging Saint Paul communities and our climate, to speeding the transition to clean energy, and to creating a just and healthy future for all. For more information, visit www.mn350.org/get-involved/our-teams/saint-paul-350/
About Community Power Minnesota
Community Power is a coalition formed non-profit interested in expanding energy options for Minneapolis as well as cities and towns across Minnesota. We support local renewable energy, environmental justice, conservation + energy efficiency, and democratic control of our energy system. We are always seeking more community partners who are excited to co-develop strategy and engage a broader base of Minnesotans toward this vision. For more information, visit www.communitypowermn.org
About Vote Solar
Vote Solar fights for a 100% clean energy future that puts the interests, health and well-being of people at its center. For more information, visit www.votesolar.org
About the Institute for Local Self-Reliance
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) has a vision of thriving, diverse, equitable communities. To reach this vision, we build local power to fight corporate control. We are a national research and advocacy organization that partners with allies across the country to build an American economy driven by local priorities and accountable to people and the planet. For more information, visit www.ilsr.org
About Environment Minnesota
Environment Minnesota’s mission is to transform the power of our imaginations and our ideas into change that makes our world a greener and healthier place for all. For more information, visit www.environmentminnesota.org
About Fresh Energy
Fresh Energy is speeding Minnesota’s transition to a clean energy economy, which will ensure that our region enjoys good health, a vibrant economy, and thriving communities today and for generations to come. From putting Minnesota on the pathway to being a national renewable energy leader to promoting clean transportation options for our growing economy, Fresh Energy has been an essential partner in helping the region develop efficient, cost-effective, and inclusive energy programming. For more information, visit www.fresh-energy.org
About Cooperative Energy Futures
Cooperative Energy Futures (CEF) envisions a future where people own, manage, and use clean energy systems for all of our collective benefit. While one person can only influence their own energy bills and use, many people acting together can change the entire landscape of the energy system. CEF exists to transform both what type of energy we use and who controls and owns it. For more information, visit www.cooperativeenergyfutures.com