Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Mike Rafferty, 651-297-8294 Lauderdale, Minn. - Governor Tim Pawlenty celebrated the opening of the Eco Experience Building at the Minnesota State Fair today by officially launching www.renewable.state.mn.us, a new state Web site that provides a one-stop shop for information on renewable energy from all over state government. The Web site is a cooperative effort of the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Employment and Economic Development and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The Web site will serve as a gateway to all of the valuable information on renewable energy that is currently housed on several different state agency sites. The content is divided into broad search categories including conservation, electricity, heating and transportation. "This Web site will be a great resource as we work toward the goal of having 25 percent of our energy come from renewable sources by the year 2025," Governor Pawlenty said. "Users will find the most current and relevant information on a wide variety of renewable topics such as windmills, ethanol production, solar power, hydrogen and single fuel cell vehicles." Research shows that "renewable energy" is the fourth ranked search topic on the North Star Portal, the official Web site for Minnesota state government. Links to www.renewable.state.mn.us will appear on other state agency Web sites and will be featured on Governor Pawlenty's official Web site. About the Eco Experience at the Minnesota State Fair A first of its kind, the Eco Experience is an indoor green space with lush rain gardens, an eco home, live entertainment, and cutting-edge displays on renewable energy, new fuels and vehicles, and organic farming. Perfect for do-it-yourselfers, techies, gardeners and nature-lovers, the space features a childrens area with fun for kids of all ages. The Eco Experience is presented by the Minnesota State Fair and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, helping Minnesotans protect the environment since 1967. The Eco Experience is located in the Progress Center building at the corner of Cosgrove Street and Randall Avenue on the State Fairgrounds. The Minnesota State Fair runs Thursday, Aug. 24 through Labor Day, Sept. 4, 2006. Visit www.EcoExperience.org for more information about the Eco Experience.