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Renewable sources of energy — solar, wind, and hydro — now place second in Minnesota's energy portfolio. A quarter of electricity generated in Minnesota in 2017 came from renewables, and Minnesota's clean energy boom has become a driver of innovation, investment, and jobs.  

What's the future of renewables in Minnesota? What benefits, and challenges lie ahead? And how can you start using renewable energy, today? Four guests take on that question:

• J. Drake Hamilton, Fresh Energy science policy director 

• Mike Cashi, environmental policy adviser for Minnesota Power-Duluth

• Gregg Mast, executive director for Clean Energy Economy Minnesota 

• Ellen Anderson, executive director of the University of Minnesota's Energy Transition Lab 

 Yep, cli-fi is a bonafide literary genre. Read more on it 

The nation's largest water resevoir could decline to shortage conditions by 2020.

 That will force Arizona, Nevada and Mexico to reduce their Colorado River water use. Jonathan Overpeck, Dean of the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, shares his expertise on water resources on the Colorado River and the Southwest.

Use the audio player above to hear the whole show.

Correction (May 29, 2018): An earlier version of this article misstated the amount of energy Minnesota generated from renewable sources.

Paul Huttner

Author

This week on Climate Cast, we assess the state of Minnesota's renewable energy economy, infrastructure, and the potential for accelerated growth.

This week on Climate Cast, we assess the state of Minnesota's renewable energy economy, infrastructure, and the potential for accelerated growth.

Plus, a climate fiction story and an update on the shrinking Colorado River.

Minnesota's renewable energy revolution

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