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Energy and Pollution Prevention

There is substantial evidence that human activities which are producing greenhouse gases and other air pollution are significantly affecting climate, ecosystems and public health. Energy production from fossil fuels for electricity and transportation cause approximately 80% of greenhouse gases (GHG). Minnesota 2000 Toxic Release Inventory data shows that, among reporting manufacturers, electric utilities are responsible for 85% of the total amount of mercury released to air. Fossil fuel used for transportation, the other large source of GHG, caused 9 million pounds of benzene emissions the same year. Use of fossil fuel in transportation is also the largest cause of ground level ozone, or smog, in Minnesota.

The MPCA promotes increased use of fuels and technologies which reduce or eliminate these emissions through pollution prevention; at the source of their generation. The information referenced on this page primarily focuses on key opportunities which reduce these pollutants through this means.

Energy Issues

Greenhouse Gas and Related Toxic Chemical Pollution | 230Kb
  Minnesota's 2002 Pollution Prevention Evaluation Report (March 2002) includes this summary of trends in GHG emissions and temperature change, climate change initiatives, largest sources of GHG, as well as comparative emissions of technologies used for energy production. An extensive list of web-based references is provided.

Global Warming and Climate Change in Minnesota
  On a global basis, we know that in recent years the surface of the Earth is warming. Read this introduction to the causes and effects of global climate change in Minnesota, and learn what can be done.

Energy Office (Minnesota Department of Commerce) | www.commerce.state.mn.us
  The state's Energy Division exists to ensure reliable, affordable and environmentally sound energy supplies for Minnesota's residential, industrial, commercial and small business utility consumers — now and into the future. Their web site offers resources for energy policy, reports, and educational materials for consumers.

Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Power

Hydrogen fuel promises a future of renewable, efficient, pollution-free energy. When used to power fuel cells, the only emissions are drinkable water and some heat. We offer several fact sheets on the potential of hydrogen power to prevent pollution.

Hydrogen

• Minnesota Biomass-based Hydrogen and Electricity Generation Potential (60Kb). National Renewable Energy Laboratory, February 2005.
• Producing Renewable Hydrogen from Biomass (50Kb). Biocycle, January 2004.
• Hydrogen—The New Fuel of Choice. A fact sheet on use, benefits, concerns and sources of hydrogen which can be used by fuel cells to power homes, businesses, and vehicles.
• Pollution-free Energy (400Kb). A two-page OEA fact sheet on a renewable energy: fuel cells for residential use.

Fuel Cells

• Common Types of Fuel Cells. An overview of the major types of fuel cells, how they work, and common applications for each type.
• Fuel Cells—Power Where It's Needed. A fact sheet on components, uses and operation of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, one of the most common types of fuel cells.
• Minnesota's Fuel Cell Industry.  A fact sheet which describes Minnesota's fuel cell industry, an industry which is expected to have at least $1.7 trillion in sales a year by 2020.

Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, and Infrastructure Program (Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy) | www.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/

Design: Innovative Power for Products

DfE: Power for Change
  The energy a product uses throughout its life span is often that product's most significant environmental impact. Careful consideration should therefore be given to how much and what type of power a product will use. Experimental new uses are continually being found for fuel cells because of their high efficiency. With the decrease in power requirements of portable consumer electronics comes the opportunity to use "human" or "self-power" from hand-wound springs or from electricity created by compressing a crystal.

Energy Efficiency

American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy | http://aceee.org/
  This nonprofit organization is dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection. Energy efficiency information on buildings, utilities, industry and transportation.

BestPractices (U.S. Department of Energy) | http://www1.eere.energy.gov/industry/bestpractices/
  This program of the DOE Industrial Technologies Program works with industry to identify plant-wide opportunities for energy savings and process efficiency. It includes best practices and equipment for energy efficient motors, air compressors, pumps and steam.

Energy Star (U.S. Department of Energy) | www.energystar.gov
  The Energy Star web site lists energy-efficient products in many categories for consumers, offices and buildings. Rebates are frequently available from local electrical service providers.

Energy and Efficiency web site | www.energy.gov/energyefficiency/
  An online resource for questions and products for consumers, builders, business and communities.

Vehicle Fuels

Fuel Economy web site | www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/index.htm
  U.S. Department of Energy resource which provides mileage ratings for cars, SUVs, light trucks and vans.

Clean Cities Program (U.S. Department of Energy) | www.ccities.doe.gov
  This program supports public-private partnerships that deploy alternative fuel vehicles and build supporting alternative fuel infrastructure. The site features information about local coalitions and clean corridors, alternative fuel news and events, fleet success stories, support and funding, tips for starting a coalition in your area, available alternative fuel vehicles, related links and more.

Report: Bus Futures: New Technologies for Cleaner Cities (INFORM, Inc.) | www.informinc.org/reports_trans.php#4
  A comparison of the availability, performance, emissions and costs of conventional diesel versus conventional natural gas buses. Newer technologies, such as hybrid electric-diesel, hybrid electric-natural gas, and fuel cell buses, are also discussed. (2000)