Air

Code red for humanity: Our response

The headlines on Monday, Aug. 9 were terrifying: “Code red for humanity,” “Global climate crisis: inevitable, unprecedented and unavoidable,” and “Wake up to red alert on climate crisis.” We have been battered since early 2020 with a seemingly relentless stream…

Policy Forum recap: Community science, technology, and playing nice in the sandbox

Last week, Environmental Initiative hosted its first policy forum of 2021 on Gather.town and Crowdcast. The session, Community Science, Technology, and Playing Nice in the Sandbox brought together: Brandy Toft, Environmental Deputy Director, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Chris Nelson, Environmental Compliance Director,…

C.H. Robinson creates links in the chain of progress

C.H. Robinson started the year with incredible news – not only had we reached the halfway point to our goal to reducing carbon intensity 40% by 2025, but we had achieved this milestone earlier than anticipated. Strong progress such as…

Xcel Energy focused on essential change

For many of us, this past year made laser clear what we value most, and perhaps, what needs to change. That’s also true for organizations like Xcel Energy. We operate in an industry already undergoing significant transformation, driven by technology…

Air Quality Awareness Week: Highlighting our work

It’s the first week of May, the weather is starting to warm, spring is in full swing, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Awareness Week. Clean Air Minnesota has been busy this year with partnerships to…

Forecasting for better air quality: The impact of air monitors on tribal lands in Minnesota

When we think of Minnesota, we think a lot about the water. We’re known for our lakes and the headwaters of the Mississippi so people may overlook the fact that our air quality is also overall pretty great. Great air…

Better together: Enhancing partnerships and sustainability commitments

The team at Wenck kicked off 2021 with exciting news of our company’s evolution – we joined forces with global design and engineering firm …

How Blue Cross is impacting racial and health equity through environmental sustainability

The devastation of dual public health crises, COVID-19 and racism are rooted in systemic inequities. This is true for the less talked about environmental crisis, which research shows is exacting a heavy toll on the health of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) communities. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of…

Project CAR and Newgate School share a unique partnership

For approximately 30 young adults each year, training through Newgate School represents a path to a higher paying job and more stability for themselves and their families. Newgate School in Minneapolis offers free training to lower income students in auto body or auto…

Powerful partnerships guide Clean Air Minnesota on path to success in 2020 (and beyond)

Air quality across Minnesota is relatively good but there’s still room for improvement. Clean Air Minnesota aims to continue to reduce emissions by targeting sources that aren’t regulated or permitted. Some contributors to poor air quality are the fumes from an older, high-polluting car, the diesel engine school bus in front of you…