About the Speaker
Ellen Anderson clerked for the MN Court of Appeals, was a Hennepin County Public Defender, served as Chair of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, Energy/Environmental Advisor to Governor Dayton, and led the Energy Transition Lab at the University of MN. Ellen grew up in New Jersey, came to MN for college and never left. Graduated from Carleton College, and UMN Law School cum laude.
“As a Minnesota State Senator for 18 years, I learned that making real environmental and clean energy progress is difficult and faces multiple obstacles, but that persistence, positive persuasion, following the facts and the voices of good people can prevail - and the stars align for bipartisan victories that make the future better. This happened in 2007 with the Renewable Energy Standard and the Next Generation Energy Act, and I believe it will happen again. MCEA has the expertise and tools that can drive that change and that’s why I’m thrilled to be in the Climate Director position, at a time of urgency for equitable climate solutions.”
About the Series
The STEP Seminar Series is an interdisciplinary platform for scholars and practitioners to discuss research and policy issues in the broad domain of science, technology, and environmental policy. The hybrid series takes place throughout the academic year at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs and on Zoom, typically over lunchtime on Mondays.