Entenza Launches Clean Energy Tour

20:45PM on June 29 2009

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Tomorrow - Tues., June 30 - DFL gubernatorial candidate Matt Entenza will set off on a swing through southwestern Minnesota , the Twin Cities and east central Minnesota to look at some of the innovative and leading clean energy work being done in Minnesota .

"I believe clean energy is a big part of Minnesota's economic future," said Entenza. "I know about some of the great things already happening in clean energy in our state but there's a lot more to learn. I'm traveling this week to talk to people who are working in this sector and hear about their successes, their challenges and what they'd like to see from a governor in terms of supporting clean energy to move our state forward." While the current tour will hit seven Minnesota communities, future tours will focus on other regions of the state.

Entenza's schedule is as follows; media are welcome but must contact Bridget Cusick in advance at 612-237-8019 or bridget@entenza.com:

Tuesday, 6/30

Minwind is a series of nine farmer-owned wind projects intended to both generate new income for local farmers and benefit the community's economy. The projects grew out of discussions among a group of farmers about various options for developing agriculture-based energy projects. After noticing the similarities between community wind and cooperative ethanol production, the group decided to begin putting the pieces together for a community wind project. The first two projects, Minwind I and II, were completed in the fall of 2002, and each consist of two NEG Micon 950 kW turbines. These were among the first farmer-owned turbines in the nation. Minwind III through IX came online in 2004, and each of these consists of a single, 1.65 MW NEG Micon turbine. Wth local individuals at the heart of development, the Minwind projects are maximizing local benefit in many ways: through economic development, returns on investment, and business relationships. (www.windustry.org)

Jim Nichols Farm - 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. - 1577 County Road 101, Lake Benton

A lifelong resident of Lake Benton , Minnesota , Jim Nichols served four terms in the Minnesota State Senate and as commissioner of agriculture under Gov. Rudy Perpich. He owns and operates a large farm where he grows corn for feed and ethanol and generates wind power from a turbine that produces electricity for hundreds of homes.

SMI & Hydraulics, Inc. - 2:40 - 3:40 p.m. - 401 Lone Tree St, Porter

In 1995 SMI & Hydraulics, Inc. began their business in Porter primarily as a welding and cylinder repair shop to local farmers and businesses. More recently they have begun manufacturing towers for wind turbine manufacturing companies.

Wednesday, 7/1

Green Institute - 2 - 3 p.m. - 2801 21st Ave S, Ste. 110, Minneapolis

Since 1993, The Green Institute has grown from its roots as a neighborhood-based movement to become one of the state's leading non-profit innovators developing tangible solutions that improve the environment and communities. The Green Institute is home to a broad range of programs and initiatives, which include the ReUse Center and DeConstruction Services, Green Building , Community Energy and Consulting Services. (www.greeninstitute.org)

Thursday, 7/2

Flannery Construction - 1 - 2 p.m. - 1375 St. Anthony Avenue , St. Paul

Flannery Construction is dedicated to the application and advancement of green construction practices, incorporating the principles of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The LEED Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for evaluating sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy efficiency, material and resource selection, and indoor environmental quality. Flannery Construction has several LEED-accredited professionals on staff to ensure quality execution of green projects. (www.flanneryconstruction.com)

Linden Hills Co-op - 3 - 4 p.m. - 2822 West 43rd St , Minneapolis

Linden Hills Co-op provides and promotes healthful choices for its members and shoppers, using and promoting earth-friendly, sustainable products and encouraging activism on sustainability. The idea for a natural foods cooperative in the Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis was hatched in 1975 and became a reality in 1976. In the 33 years since then, Linden Hills Co-op has moved and expanded its offerings three times while remaining the neighborhood's primary grocer-"big enough to meet your needs; small enough to meet your neighbors." With a full-service deli, great selection of locally made and locally raised foods, many choices for different dietary needs, and an inviting outdoor courtyard, the co-op serves as a community gathering place-with groceries. (www.lindenhills.coop)

Friday, 7/3

Haubenschild's Farm - 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. - 35195 Nacre St NW, Princeton

In 1999, Haubenschild Dairy Farm installed the first plug-flow anaerobic digester in Minnesota . The digester turns methane gas from cow manure into energy - specifically, biogas. Biogas produced from one day's manure from 100 cows has about the same energy content as one barrel of oil. As of December 2005, the farm had produced 5,800,000 kWh and burned 145,189,500 cubic feet of biogas - supplying electricity to the dairy as well as 70 households.

e-Ride Industries - 11 .m. - Noon - 3171 92nd Ave, Princeton

e-ride Industries was born in 1990 as a custom golf car manufacturer. Experience providing these custom cars led to its creation of electric vehicles under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) class of Low Speed Vehicle (a.k.a. the Neighborhood Electric Vehicle). In the spring of 2003, after four years of research and development, the first prototype was built. Today e-ride Industries offers two models, the exv4 electric transportation vehicle and the exv2 electric utility vehicle. Both vehicles are offered with a wide array of options to suit residential, commercial, government and recreational needs. (http://e-ride.com/)

Matt Entenza is a leading Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) candidate for governor of Minnesota . His campaign revolves around three core principles: growing jobs all over Minnesota by focusing on the potential of the clean energy economy, providing better educational opportunities to our children and those seeking higher education, and ensuring health care for all. Entenza represented St. Paul in the Minnesota legislature for 12 years, including three years during which he also served as House Minority Leader and led the DFL to significant gains. In 2007, Entenza founded Minnesota 2020, a think tank that has been an important voice for progressive policy positions and which he chaired until April 2009. Entenza is a graduate of Worthington High School in Worthington , Minn. , Macalester College in St. Paul , and the University of Minnesota Law School.

More information is available at www.entenza.com.

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