Led by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), Rise Up Midwest is a multi-state coalition working in the Midwest to advance clean energy policy action and market development. 

The extensive benefits we receive from today’s energy economy are a direct result of decisive public policy intervention in response to technology disruptions and economic catastrophes over the last 150 years.

Our nation’s history provides a clear lesson in how we can transform and improve the ways we produce and use energy to provide broad and lasting benefits to society. Today, once again, we see the crisis and the opportunity clearly.

This is our call to action. Rise up, Midwest!

Expand Access to Energy Efficiency and Distributed Energy for Households and Small Businesses:

This includes highlighting the best community solar program in the nation and recent expansion of the MN Solar Rewards program, celebrating the Iowa Solar Net Metering Legislation, promoting utility on-bill financing program with PAYS while recognizing successes in Missouri and Kanas, advancing third-party financing for solar, promoting the expansion of non-profit green banks like Michigan Saves, and advocating for the expansion of the Wisconsin Focus on Energy Program. 

Reducing Barriers for Local Energy Efficiency and Solar Energy Development:

This includes highlighting city actions such as the St. Louis Building Performance Standard, facilitating jurisdiction SolSmart designations, advancing consumer education with solar group purchase programs, supporting distribution system planning by highlighting opportunities and success in Midwest states, and promoting public-private financing partnerships such as the PACE Wisconsin program.

Support Workforce Development Efforts that Expand Employment Access in Advanced Energy:

This includes managing a regional solar job resource center, leading a regional solar workforce partnership, providing solar training scholarships in partnership with community organizations serving Midwest communities in need, and promoting policies and programs that advance solar workforce development including the Illinois Solar for All Program and the Minnesota Department of Corrections solar training efforts.