Congresswoman McCollum's Remarks at the St. Paul RiverCentre Solar Installation

Thank you -- City of St. Paul -- Mayor Coleman and

Anne Hunt, St. Paul RiverCentre and everyone here today for their tireless work to create the partnerships necessary to make this city and Minnesota a leader by example on clean energy.

This project is evidence that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is changing America – one rooftop at a time, one community at a time.

Our community is once again showcasing why we are a cutting-edge leader in energy technology. We provide clean, local, renewable energy that saves consumers money while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Recovery Act has made vital investments here in Minnesota in clean, renewable energy – this is clearly the right thing to do for the air we breathe.

But they're also the right thing to do for our economic future.

Cleaner air and cost savings add up to a win-win for taxpayers and for future generations.

These investments at the RiverCentre ramp will save $50,000 per year.

And we're Making it in America – solar panels installed here were made in Saginaw Michigan.

The leadership of St. Paul and our clean energy partners here today demonstrates that we understand that energy efficiency isn't just a competitive advantage, it's a competitive necessity in our global economy.

I believe the federal government can and should be a partner with cities and organizations in clean energy initiatives like this.

I was proud to support the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, because it has jump started America's clean energy economy, and will help make us more energy independent. And I support continued investments in our clean energy economy.

Our energy independence and clean energy future depends on all of us working together, and once again, I thank all of you here today for you role in moving St. Paul and Minnesota forward.