MPR | September 21, 2016
Minnesota officials say a new partnership with Xcel Energy will ensure that a third of the power used in key state government buildings comes from renewable sources.
Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith announced the pilot program Wednesday with Xcel Energy-Minnesota president Chris Clark.
If the Public Utilities Commission approves, the program will provide a steady supply of solar and wind-generated power to the buildings that make up the state Capitol Complex. Smith said the program could eventually be expanded to other state and local government facilities.
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Inforum | September 21, 2016
ST. PAUL—Rural Minnesota wind and solar farms likely will provide a third of the electricity for the state's 23-building Capitol complex near downtown St. Paul.
State and Xcel Energy officials on Wednesday, Sept. 21, announced a 20-year deal to use power from North Star Solar Project in Chisago County and Odell Wind Warm in Cottonwood, Jackson, Martin, and Watonwan counties.
Before the deal takes effect, it must be approved by the state Commerce Department and the Public Utilities Commission. State officials say the support is expected early in 2017.
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Fox 21 | September 21, 2016
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Lt. Governor Tina Smith and the Minnesota Department of Administration today announced a new partnership with Xcel Energy called the Renewable*Connect Government Pilot Program.
The new initiative will ensure that 33 percent of the base energy used at the State Capitol Complex comes from renewable sources.
If approved by the Public Utilities Commission, the program will provide a reliable and stable supply of solar and wind energy on a long-term basis, and serve as a template for other government customers to purchase utility scale renewable energy packages.
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Rochester Post Bulletin | September 7, 2016
With Gov. Mark Dayton's yearlong pitch to improve water quality entering its second month, we hope it's starting to reach more ears.
The governor kicked off what his office has deemed a Year of Water Action when most of us were focusing on the dying embers of hope regarding a legislative special session to deal with unfinished business, which ironically included funding for water-quality and water-related infrastructure investments.
The quest for a special session failed in mid-August, shortly after the Year of Water Action was declared.
We're hoping Dayton has better luck with the drive to raise awareness of the challenges facing Minnesota's waters and highlighting actions we can take to protect this precious resource.
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