John Farrell
@johnffarrell.bsky.social
Distributed energy nerd | Anti-monopoly policy guy @ ILSR | Making clean power local + fair | 📍Minnesota dad energy 🔌💡
Pinned
For my #EnergySky followers, I will resume my normal posting when my government resumes normal and legal immigration enforcement activities.
I’M HAVING A HARD TIME HEARING YOU OVER THE SOUND OF BALLROOM CONSTRUCTION, MR PRESIDENT.
Trump says on Minnesota that "we have to get rid of the criminals, so from that standpoint nothing is going to change" & adds, "we have to find out all of the fraud that's taken place in MN, We have to get to it. They've stolen at least $19b & we're gonna find out who did it and where the money is."
January 30, 2026 at 12:42 AM
I’M HAVING A HARD TIME HEARING YOU OVER THE SOUND OF BALLROOM CONSTRUCTION, MR PRESIDENT.
This is why removing ICE from Minnesota is not a solution. ICE is an unregulated militia that receives, but should be cut off from, federal funding.
This is not a "possibility," it is very, very obviously what's currently happening. The only reason people in power want to view it as a possibility rather than an ongoing fact is that they are scared of the implications. If it's the latter, they have to *do* something. History calls. It's scary!
"The most disturbing possibility is that the president is creating a militia which answers only to himself ... Abroad, from El Salvador to the Philippines, would-be despots often turn the army and the police against their people in the name of keeping order." www.economist.com/leaders/2026...
January 29, 2026 at 9:31 PM
This is why removing ICE from Minnesota is not a solution. ICE is an unregulated militia that receives, but should be cut off from, federal funding.
You're right, we definitely want #ICEout of Minnesota. Thank you for asking.
Gov. Landry: "I like to ask Democrats if they like their communities to be dangerous or safe. Do they want their children to be able to walk to school or do they want to worry if they send them on the sidewalks, that unfortunate violent things are going to happen to them?"
January 29, 2026 at 9:29 PM
You're right, we definitely want #ICEout of Minnesota. Thank you for asking.
Reposted by John Farrell
Legislation introduced in some two dozen states, including California and New York, would legalize “plug-in solar” systems (also called "balcony solar"), jumpstarting a nascent market for an affordable source of renewable energy for renters, homeowners. Free link.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
To Lower Electricity Costs, Consumers Quietly Install DIY Solar
Popular in Germany, “plug-in solar” has remained in the shadows in the US because it’s largely unregulated. Legislation recently introduced in many states aims to promote adoption.
www.bloomberg.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:42 PM
Legislation introduced in some two dozen states, including California and New York, would legalize “plug-in solar” systems (also called "balcony solar"), jumpstarting a nascent market for an affordable source of renewable energy for renters, homeowners. Free link.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
The only thing between you and these massive proposed rate increases in a small cadre of state regulators, often selected in ways that allow for substantial influence (e.g. campaign contributions) by the industries they are supposed to regulate
"According to new PowerLines analysis, in 2025, electric and gas utilities requested nearly $31 billion in rate increases, more than double the $15 billion in rate increases requested by utilities in 2024."
powerlines.org
January 29, 2026 at 7:28 PM
The only thing between you and these massive proposed rate increases in a small cadre of state regulators, often selected in ways that allow for substantial influence (e.g. campaign contributions) by the industries they are supposed to regulate
Sacking DHS leadership (Bovino, Noem, Homan) is a start, but let's not forget the justice owed many citizens and legal residents such as one Minneapolis city employee who was taken to Texas for several days, held incommunicado, and then just turned out to find his own way home.
January 29, 2026 at 3:56 PM
Sacking DHS leadership (Bovino, Noem, Homan) is a start, but let's not forget the justice owed many citizens and legal residents such as one Minneapolis city employee who was taken to Texas for several days, held incommunicado, and then just turned out to find his own way home.
"Land of 10,000 Lakes and no ICE."
I think Minnesota could do a lot worse for a tourism slogan than "Minnesota: we treat Nazis like Nazis"
Q: Can you be specific about how many ICE and CBP agents are currently operating in the state?
HOMAN: 3,000. There's been some rotations. They've been in theater a long time. Day after day, can't eat in restaurants, people spin on you, blowing whistles at you. But my main focus now is draw down
HOMAN: 3,000. There's been some rotations. They've been in theater a long time. Day after day, can't eat in restaurants, people spin on you, blowing whistles at you. But my main focus now is draw down
January 29, 2026 at 3:52 PM
"Land of 10,000 Lakes and no ICE."
♥♥♥
I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
Stay free
Stay free
Bruce Springsteen - Streets Of Minneapolis (Official Audio)
YouTube video by Bruce Springsteen
youtu.be
January 28, 2026 at 9:49 PM
♥♥♥
When people say "abolish ICE," we should take it seriously. Because it's not just about random murders and violations of civil rights (bad enough!); it is about systematically failing to follow court orders. www.startribune.com/star-tribune...
Star Tribune analysis: Feds disobeying judicial orders on immigration detainees
The federal government cites a glut in cases and low staffing as reasons for violating court orders.
www.startribune.com
January 28, 2026 at 9:44 PM
When people say "abolish ICE," we should take it seriously. Because it's not just about random murders and violations of civil rights (bad enough!); it is about systematically failing to follow court orders. www.startribune.com/star-tribune...
OMGWTFMAHA
Holy moly this chart: Cumulative US measles cases
January 28, 2026 at 4:48 PM
OMGWTFMAHA
A “duh” move for existing solar. So glad it’s actually happening!
This is a big deal for North Carolina—and a model other states and regions could follow. Utilities can't build new capacity fast enough to keep up with new load. Adding batteries to existing solar already connected to the grid is a no-brainer... right?
www.canarymedia.com/articles/sol...
#energysky
www.canarymedia.com/articles/sol...
#energysky
North Carolina may use batteries to give new life to old solar farms
A Duke Energy proposal backed by clean energy groups would let older solar farms renew their expiring contracts on favorable terms — if they build storage.
www.canarymedia.com
January 28, 2026 at 2:59 PM
A “duh” move for existing solar. So glad it’s actually happening!
None of us, white guys with guns or international citizens or immigrants, are safe under this administration. But if we stand together, we can win. Bovino is out. Noem is next.
English translation of statement from Ecuadorian Consulate regarding ICE’s attempt to enter their building in Minneapolis today:
January 28, 2026 at 12:10 AM
None of us, white guys with guns or international citizens or immigrants, are safe under this administration. But if we stand together, we can win. Bovino is out. Noem is next.
BREAKING: Two Republican senators, Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski, call for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to resign.
Two Republican senators call for Kristi Noem to resign as DHS secretary
Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Thom Tillis are the first GOP members of Congress to call for Noem to step down as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
www.nbcnews.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:08 AM
The bottom line is that y'all should just ask Georgia ratepayers about the missing piece is in nuclear.
This walks a careful line between endorsing the Trump DOE position, which is that tax credits are a form of cost overrun insurance (which is factually inaccurate even if politically expedient), and clarifying that it's not enough to get a new plant built.
January 27, 2026 at 6:30 PM
The bottom line is that y'all should just ask Georgia ratepayers about the missing piece is in nuclear.
Yes.
AFGE, the largest federal employee union, is calling for the immediate termination of Kristi Noem and Stephen Miller for smearing their slain union member Alex Pretti as a “domestic terrorist.”
January 27, 2026 at 6:29 PM
Yes.
To help Democratic leadership, here’s a list of demands to provide the Trump admin before any funding for DHS is approved:
1) anyone who lied about the murders in Minneapolis should be fired (Noem, Homan, etc). @klobuchar.senate.gov @smith.senate.gov
1) anyone who lied about the murders in Minneapolis should be fired (Noem, Homan, etc). @klobuchar.senate.gov @smith.senate.gov
January 27, 2026 at 2:47 PM
To help Democratic leadership, here’s a list of demands to provide the Trump admin before any funding for DHS is approved:
1) anyone who lied about the murders in Minneapolis should be fired (Noem, Homan, etc). @klobuchar.senate.gov @smith.senate.gov
1) anyone who lied about the murders in Minneapolis should be fired (Noem, Homan, etc). @klobuchar.senate.gov @smith.senate.gov
🎶 Hey hey, ho ho, all the Nazis got to go. 🎶
Now do Stephen Miller
Exclusive: Border Patrol “Commander at Large” Gregory Bovino has been removed from his role and is expected to retire soon, sources tell @nickmiroff.bsky.social.
January 27, 2026 at 1:17 AM
🎶 Hey hey, ho ho, all the Nazis got to go. 🎶
Reposted by John Farrell
Now do Stephen Miller
Exclusive: Border Patrol “Commander at Large” Gregory Bovino has been removed from his role and is expected to retire soon, sources tell @nickmiroff.bsky.social.
Gregory Bovino Gets Demoted
The Border Patrol chief was the public face of a traveling immigration crackdown on cities governed by Democrats.
bit.ly
January 27, 2026 at 1:07 AM
Now do Stephen Miller
Thank you! It’s notable how much more small businesses have stood up for rule of law than the big ones
One of my tasks this week has been compiling statements of small businesses who chose to close on Jan. 23 in solidarity with the General Strike. Here are my take-aways after reading more than 1000 of these statements from 79 cities and towns across Minnesota:
January 27, 2026 at 1:15 AM
Thank you! It’s notable how much more small businesses have stood up for rule of law than the big ones
Apparently Apple’s motto should be “Think Compliant”
Hours after Alex Pretti was executed, Apple's Tim Cook went to the WH for the debut of the Melania 'documentary'
His taste and his timing disgust me.
I won't pretend I'm giving up the laptop I'm writing this on, but I'm not buying more of their stuff anytime soon.
spyglass.org/tim-cook-cap...
His taste and his timing disgust me.
I won't pretend I'm giving up the laptop I'm writing this on, but I'm not buying more of their stuff anytime soon.
spyglass.org/tim-cook-cap...
Aside From That, Mr. Cook, What Did You Think of the Movie?
Let them eat popcorn...
spyglass.org
January 27, 2026 at 1:13 AM
Apparently Apple’s motto should be “Think Compliant”
Bovino may be out, but the violation of constitutional rights continues, the work to #ICEout is not done.
ICE is changing tactics in Maine: "Now, the volunteers in Maine say federal agents have started showing up at their homes and intimidating them or threatening arrest. Some of them, masked and wearing tactical gear, have issued stark warnings not to follow them." www.pressherald.com/2026/01/23/i...
ICE watchers in Maine say they were threatened by federal agents
Community members have been monitoring the activity of immigration agents in Greater Portland.
www.pressherald.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:07 AM
Bovino may be out, but the violation of constitutional rights continues, the work to #ICEout is not done.
If you do politics by poll, you’re a sheep. If you don’t fight, you can’t win.
Screaming "and yet it moves" at the popularists until Democratic elected officials stop listening to them
www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
www.reuters.com/world/us/tru...
January 27, 2026 at 1:05 AM
If you do politics by poll, you’re a sheep. If you don’t fight, you can’t win.
Na na na na…na na na na…hey hey hey…goodbye.
BREAKING Greg Bovino has been removed as Border Patrol "commander at large" and will return to El Centro Calif, where he is expected to retire soon. A stunning turnaround after Pretti killing. Bovino's traveling blue city crackdown is over www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Gregory Bovino Gets Demoted
The Border Patrol chief was the public face of a traveling immigration crackdown on cities governed by Democrats.
www.theatlantic.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:02 AM
Na na na na…na na na na…hey hey hey…goodbye.
