German leaders visit Rochester to discuss renewable energy

(ABC 6 News) – 10 german energy and climate leaders are in Rochester as part of the city’s exchange with german cities.

Friday morning, they met with Mayor Kim Norton and other local leaders to discuss how their cities are making the switch to renewable energy work for their residents.

"What Rochester is doing well is your working at all levels your working on the community out reach, explaining why this change is necessary. You have the DMC development here and it is very much about building in sustainability from the start," said Dir. of International Partnership at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Dr. Sabine Engel.

The “Climate Smart Municipalities” initiative is part of 12 cities in both Germany and Minnesota.

Leaders say southeast Minnesota has a real chance to transition to renewable energy that can benefit the economy and the environment.