Energy + Democracy: Part 1 of Fresh Energy's 2022 Summer Webinar Series

Decarbonize: The Clean Energy Podcast

Energy and climate issues play out across our society—in books and film, institutions of higher learning, our democracy, and in the very air we breathe.

Once again this July, Thursdays are Fresh Energy summer webinar series days! Register here to join Fresh Energy and special guests for four fun and engaging discussions about the many facets of energy in our lives—or listen to the recordings here on our podcast!
Today's webinar features voting rights and civic engagement as two of the most pressing issues of our time. How does community engagement intersect with action on climate and justice?
Join Fresh Energy's Justin Fay and special guests U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, Carolina Ortiz of COPAL, Dr. Gabe Chan of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, and Dominic McQuerry of The McKnight Foundation to discuss this and more.
Meet the Panelists:
Carolina Ortiz | she/her | COPAL
Carolina Ortiz has been with COPAL since it’s founding in 2018. She led the communications team for two years and is now the associate executive director. Carolina was born in Zacatecas, Mexico and is currently studying communications and women’s studies in Minnesota. A DREAMer herself, her passion for social justice stems from her own experiences and those of her community.

Gabe Chan | Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota
Gabe Chan is an associate professor at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs in the Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy (STEP) area. Gabe’s research examines policies to stimulate innovation in energy technologies and mitigate global climate change in the United States, China, and internationally. Gabe’s research also blends economic methods and theory with a broader set of social science and technical knowledge.

Dominic McQuerry | McKnight Foundation
As a program officer with the Vibrant & Equitable Communities and Midwest Climate & Energy programs, Dominic McQuerry oversees and develops innovative grant portfolios at the intersection of McKnight’s climate and equity goals with an emphasis on strengthening democratic participation and civic engagement. McQuerry is a policy and community engagement professional with a passion for supporting people’s lives and livelihoods, guiding and supporting powerful coalitions in Minnesota on housing, healthcare, child care, and more.

This webinar was recorded on July 7, 2022, and made possible by Great River Energy (Gold Sponsor) and Sunrun (Bronze Sponsor). You can view a video of the webinar here.

Thank you to our event's Promotional Partners:
CERTs
Citizen’s Utility Board of Minnesota
Climate Generation
Conservation Minnesota
Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate
Impact Power Solutions (IPS)
100 Percent Campaign
Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition
Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light
National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT)
Great Plains Institute
Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA)
Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA)
MN350
MnSEIA
Union of Concerned Scientists