News

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development launched the new Clean Economy Equitable Workforce initiative, a workforce development program focused on preparing workers who are Black, Indigenous or People of Color for good-paying construction-related jobs in the growing clean energy and energy efficiency fields.

Metro Clean Energy Resource Team (CERT) welcomes two new city sustainability staff to the Metro CERT Steering Committee! Steering Committees are made up of local people passionate about the work who want to help guide the direction of CERTs efforts in their region.

It is an energizing start to 2024 for communities across Minnesota! CERTs awarded seed grants to 45 inspiring energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in communities from Comfrey to Crookston, Welch to Wrenshall. CERTs Seed Grants have funded 509 projects with over $1.98 million since 2006.

The Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships within the University of Minnesota Extension has several opportunities to support community-university partnerships this year!

The MN Department of Commerce will accept applications from newly eligible schools beginning 1/10/2024. Find out about more program updates for 2024.

MnDOT released the RFP for the first round of investment from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program which provides funds to build a convenient, affordable, reliable, and equitable fast charging network for EVs.

CERTs recently welcomed 12 Sustainability Project Coordinators as part of a special AmeriCorps project. In 2022, CERTs worked with the AmeriCorps’ Climate Impact Corps to offer this new opportunity. In the first year of the program, we welcomed six Sustainability Project Coordinators, and we're thrilled to grow the program! 

NESP helps nonprofits serving low-income communities with free education, facility energy assessments, direct installation of energy-efficient equipment and system upgrades. 

CERTs welcomes Evaluation Coordinator Karen Weldon to the team!

Minnesota recently received some BIG energy grants. A hat tip to the amazing utility and community-based organizations across the state doing important clean energy work. Similarly, a shout out to the staff at the Minnesota Department of Commerce who work tirelessly to write/support grant proposals and build the systems needed to implement federal and state policy into on-the-ground clean energy reality.

Nominate someone leading the way on climate adaptation or climate communication!

Meet our new Regional Coordinators and learn how they'll work throughout Minnesota.

The 2023 Clean School Bus Rebates through the EPA are open for applications through January 31, 2024. 

National Drive Electric Week (9/22-10/1/2023) is a nationwide celebration of the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. 

Minnesota is home to various meaningful clean energy related projects, some with impressive cultural elements. With so much happening in Minnesota’s clean energy world, momentum is building for future projects.

CERTs is looking for an Evaluation Coordinator to support our work through collecting, tracking, analyzing, and reporting clean energy program activity and impact data, as well as through administrative support for other key organizational activities.

How could a seed grant of $5,000-$10,000 support clean energy projects in your community? The Clean Energy Resource Teams want to help!

School Readiness Assessment deadline is Sept. 5.

Metro CERT welcomes Program Associate Aaron Backs.

Five of the 67 winners are Minnesota-based projects, including the CERTs + WETCC Rural Clean Energy Training Pathways project.

We're sending our best to Alexis Troschinetz as she explores the next chapter in her adventurous life. 

We proudly connect people with the resources they need to identify and implement community-based energy efficiency and clean energy projects across Minnesota. We have an incredible opportunity to strengthen our reach and impact while expanding our capacity with full-time CERTs Regional Coordinator positions throughout the state!