The Sustainable Eagan Advisory Commission voted Oct. 14 to forward a working definition of “clean energy” to the City Council for use in the city’s climate action materials and communications.

The commission’s working definition, read aloud and entered into the record, says: “Clean energy, an energy source that does not directly emit greenhouse gases or air pollution when generating power.” The commission member who presented the definition moved that the commission forward it to the council; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Commission members discussed how narrowly or broadly the term should be defined, including whether the city should publish an illustrative list of technologies. The presenter and several commissioners said they preferred a succinct, scope‑1 style definition—limited to emissions at the point of generation—so the definition remains flexible as technologies and policies evolve. Commissioner Hook and others asked how the definition would be applied in practice; staff member Jillian said the Climate Action Plan and council requests prompted the need for a clearly stated city definition and that it will be used in presentations, outreach and as a reference if community members request clarification.

The commission’s discussion touched on disputed generation sources such as nuclear and large hydro; one commissioner noted lifecycle and siting considerations make some sources controversial even if they produce little or no emissions during electricity generation. The commission did not adopt a list of eligible or ineligible technologies.

The motion to forward the definition passed by voice vote; the transcript records commissioners responding “Aye.” The commission recorded the item as a recommendation to the City Council rather than a final policy change by the commission itself.

The commission identified the Climate Action Plan as the primary context for the definition and agreed to present the concise wording to City Council for formal consideration or adoption.