on May 15, 2019

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Fresh Energy Is Still Intentionally Misleading Minnesotans on Energy Issues: Part Three – Energy Efficiency in Minnesota Isn’t So Spectacular

Written by Isaac Orr and Mitchell Rolling

Fresh Energy, a renewable energy advocacy organization, continues to mislead Minnesotan’s on energy issues – and it appears they don’t appreciate our work explaining how wind and solar are driving up the cost of electricity in our state. In their latest critique of American Experiment, Fresh Energy made multiple attempts to inaccurately portray our organization as misunderstanding how electric rates work, while arguing that wind and solar are the cheapest sources in our state, and boon to job creation. Each of these claims is demonstrably false. The article below is the third in a series of articles that will thoroughly explain how Fresh...

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on May 14, 2019

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Fresh Energy Is Still Intentionally Misleading Minnesotans on Energy Issues: Part Two – Electricity vs. Natural Gas Usage

Written by Isaac Orr and Mitchell Rolling

in Energy

Electricity bills in Minnesota are lower than other states in the Midwest because we use less electricity, not because we're getting a deal on our bills....

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on May 14, 2019

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100 Percent of Minnesota Coal is Lower Cost than Wind or Solar

Written by Isaac Orr

in Energy

100 percent of Minnesota's existing coal plants generate electricity at a lower cost than new wind, even using BNEF's assumptions- which are likely unrealistic. Looks like claims that Minnesota can close coal plants, build more wind, and reduce costs are dead wrong....

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on May 13, 2019

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Fresh Energy Is Still Intentionally Misleading Minnesotans on Energy Issues: Part One – Electricity Rates

Written by Isaac Orr and Mitchell Rolling

in Energy

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on May 12, 2019

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Most Solar Jobs Are Construction Jobs and Most Jobs Are In Hennepin County

Written by Isaac Orr

in Energy

Solar energy is often touted as a way to spur jobs growth throughout the entire state of Minnesota, but a recent jobs report from the solar industry shows the vast majority of solar jobs are temporary construction jobs, and most of these jobs are in the metro area, not Greater Minnesota. Plenty of organizations crow about the solar industry creating jobs, but few people ever ask, "what kind of jobs?" Once you look, you'll see that 68 percent of the solar jobs in Minnesota were installation/temporary construction jobs. Now, I want to by crystal clear. I think temporary construction jobs are terrific,...

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on May 10, 2019

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America Is Partially Responsible for Venezuelan Crisis, But Not In The Way Representative Omar Thinks

Written by Isaac Orr

in Energy

Representative Omar is in the news regarding her statements that U.S. actions are making the situation in Venezuela worse. On Democracy Now, Representative Omar stated: "“This particular bullying and the use of sanctions to eventually intervene and make regime change really does not help the people of countries like Venezuela, and it certainly does not help and is not in the interest of the United States,” she added." I don't disagree that it is possible for efforts to enact regime changes can have unforeseen and negative consequences, but there is a simpler explanation for Venezuela's downfall than sanctions and conspiracy. These explanations are socialism,...

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on May 09, 2019

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From Wisconsin: Why Are We Paying We Energies $430 Million in Profits on a Coal Plant That Shut Down Last Year?

Written by Isaac Orr

in Energy

The article below was written by Thomas Content, who is the Director of the Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin CUB eloquently argues that the government-approved monopoly utility company in Wisconsin should not get to profit on a coal plant it shut down before the end of its useful life. I couldn't agree more. The most important thing you can remember about utility companies like Xcel Energy and WE Energies is that they are not private companies. They are government approved monopoly utilities that are guaranteed to make a profit. You have no choice but to purchase your electricity from the utility...

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on May 08, 2019

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Walz Administration Couldn’t Be More Wrong About Nuclear Power

Written by Isaac Orr

in Energy

At a recent press conference, Gov. Tim Walz's administration suggested the economics of nuclear power likely make it too expensive to be part of his plan to produce 100% of Minnesota’s electricity from carbon-free sources by 2050. Instead, the administration argued technological improvements would allow wind and solar to reliably and affordably meet Minnesota’s energy needs. Unfortunately, the Walz administration couldn’t be more wrong on either account....

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on May 07, 2019

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Minnesota Now Fifth-Largest Mining State, It Could Have Been Number Two

Written by Isaac Orr

in Energy

According to the United States Geological Survey, Minnesota mined $4.05 billion in non-fuel minerals in 2018, making it the fifth-largest state for mining, in terms of the value of minerals sold (excluding coal, oil, natural gas, and uranium). This is after Minnesota was in sixth place last year. Few people in the Twin Cities metro realize just how important mining is to Minnesota's economy, and to the nation's security. In 2018, mines in Minnesota and Michigan shipped 98% of the usable iron ore products in the United States with an estimated value of $4.1 billion. Minnesota has traditionally accounted for approximately...

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on May 06, 2019

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Refuting “Local View: Minnesota Must Aggressively Move to Less-Costly Renewables”

Written by Isaac Orr

in Energy

My piece in the Duluth News Tribune detailing how a 50 percent renewable energy mandate would harm the mining industry has generated quite the controversy, with at least three counterpoints from renewable energy special interest groups. Today, I'm refuting a member of the Citizen's Climate Lobby....

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