Event Description

In the Midwest, incentives to use renewable energy set at state-level remains low compared to other areas in the US, such as the West- and East Coast. The absence of incentives and targets results in a low-awareness level of the benefits and opportunities consumers have when using renewable energy. As of December 2020, Minnesota and Michigan are the only two Midwestern states to implemented a statutory target and an executive target respectively to combat greenhouse gas emissions and to become carbon neutral by 2050.

With Michigan only signing this executive target in 2020, driven by concerns on rising temperatures and the necessity to slow down climate change, combined with the nation-wide growth of renewable energy usage, now is the time to get together and understand how, why and when the Midwest can join the renewable energy revolution.

Discussion points:
· How to raise awareness and demonstrate the economic benefits of renewable energy in the Midwest?
· Who leads the way? Should states be more proactive in setting targets or should this continue to be driven by utilities and large commercial organizations?
· Which local challenges prohibit organizations and consumers to switch to renewable energy resources and what needs to be done about this?