University of Minnesota - Morris celebrates one year of carbon-neutrality with visit from new Regent

Left to right: Troy Goodnough (Sustainability Director, UMN Morris), Bryan Herrmann (Vice Chancellor for Finance and Facilities, UMN Morris), Janet Schrunk Ericksen (Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Dean, UMN Morris), Eric Hamm (Operations Manager, Otter Tail Power Company), Michelle Behr (Chancellor, UMN Morris), Douglas Huebsch (Regent, UMN), Blaine Hill (City Manager, Morris), Mike Reese (Renewable Energy Director, West Central Research and Outreach Center)

The University of Minnesota - Morris welcomed newly-elected Regent Douglas Huebsch to campus with a celebratory event commemorating the one year anniversary of the University obtaining carbon-neutrality in its electrical use. For more information on the campus' carbon neutrality goals and progress, see https://news.morris.umn.edu/news/carbon-neutral-electric.

Below is an excerpt from a speech given by Troy Goodnough, Sustainability Director at UMN Morris, that sums up the spirit and energy of the moment:

"Leadership always matters. Fifteen years ago, UMN Morris campus leaders made a commitment to pursue carbon neutrality. We have hit a major milestone on electricity. We have more work to do. Today, UMN Morris and community partners are working together to expand renewable energy opportunities in our county and region. We all know that west-central Minnesota is home to strong winds, abundant sun, and carbon-rich soils that are the envy of the world. The last decade was transformative. But, the next decade will be even more transformative. We want our rural communities to benefit from the energy transformation. If we work together, we can help shape our future, not just react to it."