Congresswoman McCollum's Remarks at the Drive Electric Minnesota

I thank the City of Saint Paul -- Mayor Coleman and Anne Hunt, as well as Drive Electric Minnesota, Xcel Energy, and all of our allies 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 yet more evidence that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is helping to re-power America.

Our community is once again showcasing why we are a cutting-edge leader in innovative 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. Since more than a third of all Minnesota's air pollutant emissions come from cars and trucks, Drive Electric Minnesota's work is clearly the right thing to do for the air we breathe. But it's also the right thing to do for our economic future, because it produces energy savings of $1300 per vehicle each year.

Cleaner air and cost savings add up to a win-win for taxpayers and for future generations. We're making it in America – local firms installing solar panels made in Arizona and Oregon. The leadership of Saint 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, states and organizations to deliver 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 is making us more energy independent. I support continued investments in our innovative, 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 Saint Paul and Minnesota forward.