Saint Paul — On Saturday, March 30, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, the Minnesota Capitol will be switching off exterior and ornamental lights in observance of Earth Hour. Lighting for pedestrians and security purposes will remain on during the event. 

The Capitol will be joining the City of St. Paul’s 10th annual celebration, where many public buildings and landmarks will go dark for the event. Earth Hour is also observed globally at landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, The Empire State Building, the Sydney Opera House and nearly 18,000 structures in 188 countries. 

The purpose of Earth Hour is to call attention to global climate change and the actions that governments, institutions, businesses, and citizens can do to reduce non-renewable energy use and promote a more sustainable future. 

“By turning off the Capitol’s exterior lights for an hour, our goal is to call attention to energy use,” said Alice Roberts-Davis, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Administration. “It reminds us that energy use cannot be taken for granted, and that our actions today help us prepare a more sustainable future.” 

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan recently announced a plan to achieve 100 percent clean energy in Minnesota by 2050. The Department of Administration is supporting that initiative with a goal of a 30% reduction in Capitol Complex energy use by 2027. Additionally, a third of the complex power comes from Minnesota-produced renewable energy and new solar arrays that are currently being installed on complex buildings. 

“Turning off the Capitol’s lights for an hour is symbolic. Taking affirmative steps to reduce our carbon footprint is the action behind our words,” said Roberts-Davis. “We will meet the goals set by Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan, and together build a Minnesota that leads the nation in clean energy.” 

For additional information, contact:
Vic Thorstenson at (651) 201-2770 or victor.thorstenson@state.mn.us