The Minnesota Project is pleased to announce that Ryan Stockwell is the new Clean Energy Program Manger. Ryan will lead the Clean Energy Program’s current work dealing with anaerobic digesters, community-owned wind energy development, and Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTS). He will be building upon the Minnesota Project’s history of policy development and analysis, project assistance, and public education.

Ryan will also be leading new research initiatives expanding the use of renewable energy in Minnesota and identifying renewable energy storage methods to maximize economic returns for local communities. “Energy storage solutions such as batteries or compressed air could turn wind, solar or biogas energy into the predominant sources, allowing Minnesota to leave behind fossil fuel energy that was suited for the 19th, not the 21st Century.” Ryan adds, “I am excited to be a part of the Minnesota Project and help in the pursuit of a new energy economy. This isn’t simply about the environment; this is about creating viable economic opportunity today for local communities as well as sustainable energy systems for future generations.”

Ryan brings to the Clean Energy Program years of experience in research, policy analysis, legislative affairs, and organizational leadership. Ryan has a Ph.D. in history from the University of Missouri, an M.A. in History from Miami University and a B.A. in Social Change and Development from UW-Green Bay. He has conducted considerable research into agricultural issues as well as clean energy economics. Ryan also has experience in state government as a policy analyst and legislative assistant in the Missouri House of Representatives. He researched and wrote legislation, and developed coalitions to create a clean energy infrastructure and economy in Missouri. Ryan also comes to the Minnesota Project with experience in organizing Rocky Mountain communities to confront harmful fossil fuel development projects.

“We are pleased to welcome Ryan to the Minnesota Project,” said executive director Rebecca Baumann. “Ryan’s extensive experience in clean energy policy and deep knowledge of agricultural economic history are a real asset to The Minnesota Project and the community at large. Ryan’s public policy expertise and education in energy economics will help the Minnesota Project in promoting the development, conservation, and efficient use of renewable energy through projects, policy, resource-sharing and collaboration.”

You may contact Ryan at rstockwell@mnproject.org or 651-789- 3330.