That’s the attendance list for the THREE HOUR lobbying session that Xcel Energy held with local officials, elected and staff from the City of Red Wing and Goodhue County. Here’s the list from the County info:

Thursday was Prairie Island Indian Community… and Friday (Scott Arneson, Goodhue County, did attend) :

And I’d learned of this “Private Event” from a City Notice, posted previously HERE on Legalectric:

I’ve been told by the City that this Notice was incorrect, ERROR, and that it was only for a potential quorum of City Council members, and a corrected notice was sent out later.

Anyway, I quickly fired off a Data Practices Act Request form to Goodhue County to learn who was invited and how and what this THREE HOUR TOUR was about, and yesterday, thanks to the quick county response, I did the file inspection and scanned the info:

Here’s what was received — there were two days of “tours” that Goodhue County was part of, this is the lead in and the last page is a handout from the first day. Note that there’s nothing about Xcel’s initial invitation to the County, it’s County distribution of info for those likely attending:

What’s missing from the Goodhue County response is the initial contact from Xcel Energy inviting the County Board and staff to be part of this THREE HOUR TOUR. Will follow up on that. And here it is!!!

I learned verbally that there was high security, which I believe having been in the guard shack with woman handling check in and TWO guards with long guns (in a guard shack? Not even enough room to move around, how effective is that??). There was the usual welcoming spread of morning treats, and then a walk around tour all over the plant, from office to plant to ISFSI:

When I heard about this and was making inquiries, I was told by one attendee that there was a “security” focus so the limited invites was reasonable. Ummmm… nope. This was a THREE HOUR lobbying session, promoting continued nuclear generation, evident from the the one handout from both meetings. Goodhue County produced that handout from the July 30, 2025 THREE HOUR TOUR, and also from that second group of attendees on August 1, 2025 (post-it from County Administrator), the same handout, and I was told that it was the same format and presentation:

Data Practices Act Request to City of Red Wing was just filed and is pending:

Yes, a THREE HOUR TOUR!

We’ve got a “cool roof.” Years ago, the mudroom and attached garage, with dark rolled roofing on sort of flat roofs, were SO hot that Alan got a bucket of “roof paint” and painted it white. WHAT A DIFFERENCE THAT MADE. White rubber paint — who knew! Sooooo, when it was time to get a new roof, well, way past time, we went for a white metal roof. Not only will we not need another roof in our lifetimes, but it’s WAY COOL!

On the way home from the North Shore this week, there was a great piece on MPR, “On Point” about “cool roofs” and a building code change enacted by the City of Atlanta. This is something I’ve advocated before our City Council during our first summer with our white roof, and our state House Energy Committee too. It’s SO simple, and it makes a HUGE difference.

What are ‘cool roofs,’ and how do they work?

YES, I’M SHOUTING — IT’S REAL! They DO work!

In that program above, there’s a lot of info about heat islands, and how roofs can heat up not only the building they cover, but around the building too. Heat island effect is also a valid issue with the large solar projects, we brought it up in both the ~3,500 acre Badger Hollow and ~2,500 Grant County solar dockets. The dark panels in the sun can raise temperatures of the surrounding area.

For example:

Heat island effect can be significant — from What are ‘cool roofs,’ and how do they work?:

Through ordinances, it’s possible to have a dramatic impact, lowering temperatures in cities.

Here’s the City of Atlanta’s press release about their ordinance:

Atlanta City Council Member Liliana Bakhtiari and Health Leaders Issue Statements Following Approval of Smart Surface Policy

Here’s the Atlanta ordinance – linked here:

CITY COUNCIL
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
25-O-1310
Last Updated: 05/30/25 Page 1 of 9
AN ORDINANCE BY COUNCILMEMBERS LILIANA BAKHTIARI, JASON WINSTON, AMIR
FAROKHI, BYRON D. AMOS, JASON DOZIER, MATT WESTMORELAND, ESHÉ COLLINS,
MICHAEL JULIAN BOND, MARCI COLLIER OVERSTREET, ANDREA L. BOONE, DUSTIN
HILLIS, ALEX WAN, HOWARD SHOOK AND MARY NORWOOD AS AMENDED BY COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT/HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE TO AMEND THE CITY OF ATLANTA
BUILDING CODE TO ADD A NEW SECTION FOR ROOFING REFLECTANCE STANDARDS TO
REDUCE HEAT PRODUCED BY DARKER ROOFING MATERIALS; AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES.(FAVORABLE BY CITY UTILITIES COMMITTEE 5/27/25 4 YEAS 2 ABSTENTION)

Something to know — it’s about reflectivity, and so it doesn’t need to be white! There are many colors of roofing materials designed to be reflective! The “white roof” has been an issue when I’ve raised the coolness of white roofs. Some folks really don’t like the looks of them… and listening to the radio, I learned there are color options! From the link: What are ‘cool roofs,’ and how do they work?

Is it that simple? Yes, it is. Our roof proves it! If you’re going to be spending money on a new roof, whether taken out by one of the more frequent storms, or just old age, it pays to choose a reflective roof.

Now, cities and states, it’s time to update your ordinances for this simple and oh-so-cost-effective way to lower warming of the environment AND lower your air conditioning bill.

UPDATE: The site is back, it took more than a day (constitution.congress.gov/), and I received this:

From Reddit, the Congressional page is removing sections of the Constitution.”They’ve taken out half of section 8, all of section 9, and all of section10 of article I on their site.” I went to verify, and the page will not come up… And from same post, “They’ve taken out half of section 8, all of section 9, and all of section10 of article I on their site.” and it looks like they’re still playing around with it as connection isn’t happening: constitution.congress.gov

First I called the Library of Congress general number, 202-707-5000, was transferred to the Reading Room, and they very aware of problem, many calls coming in. I was transferred to the law” section, which first tried to cast doubt on my checking the site and then admitted that she’d tried it and nada. I stressed what a problem this is and she said it was the Congressional Research Service that handles the page, and I asked to be transferred but was told it’s under Congress and “is not public facing.” Right…

I’m calling Finstad 202-225-2472, Speaker Johnson 202-255-2777, and writing another postcard to 1600 Pennsylvania (phones are worthless), AND Congressional Research Service form: https://www.loc.gov/crsinfo/contact/ Complaint submitted to Inspector General: https://www.loc.gov/…/office-of-the…/contact-us/

WTAF??

Capture of Constitution as of July 17, 2025: https://web.archive.org/web/20250717091439/https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/

Section 8

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;

To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;

To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;

To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;

To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;

To establish Post Offices and post Roads;

To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;

To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;

To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations;

To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;

To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;

To provide and maintain a Navy;

To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;

To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;

To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;–And

To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.

Section 9

The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.

The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.

No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.

No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken.

No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.

No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another.

No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.

No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.

Section 10

No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.

No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it’s inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of the Congress.

No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.

Capture as of August 6th, 2025: https://web.archive.org/web/20250806105311/https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/

Section 8

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;

To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;

To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;

To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;

To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;

To establish Post Offices and post Roads;

To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;

To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;

To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations;

To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;

To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

What’s missing in the shorter version is this from Section 8, and ALL of Sections 9 & 10 — note it starts out eliminating the part about “suppress Insurrections…”:

We showed up, with a great reception. I was watching and listening, and only heard one stupid comment, which I’d anticipated – it was a “turn that flag around” or some such, and I’d posted a sign below the flags (one on each side of the truck) “DISTRESS U.S. Flag Code 4 U.S.C. 8(a).” DOH!

Special thanks to Alan Muller to helping with logistics, and Bitsy Joy for motivation and banners and more! Thanks to Ceri Everett for photos & videos:

Let’s see… Xcel invites so many from the City that there may be “a quorum of all Red Wing Boards & Commissions members and City Council members.” It’s obviously a lobbying shindig, THREE HOURS LONG. I’m guessing it’s the current rendition of their “Community Breakfast.”

Oh, we tried! Alan Muller and I went, and they wouldn’t let us in, because we were not invited. (Also turns out my Birkenstocks and Alan’s shorts are not allowed — if we’d been invited, guess that’s in the email.) The woman at the desk made a LOT of calls, left many messages, so quite a few Xcel employees are aware we were there wanting to be admitted.

Look who was there — turns out it wasn’t “just” Red Wing, but Goodhue County too! “My” District 1 County Commissioner is there, as well as the Land Use Management Director.

City says “all Red Wing Boards and Commissions.” I’m on Red Wing’s Charter Commission… and I see Goodhue County folks there, and I’m on Goodhue County’s Planning Commission. First I heard of this was the “Notice of Quorum” above.

This Xcel Energy “Private Event” was not announced at Monday’s City Council meeting, but there was an announcement of the Sturgeon Lake Road Overpass Ribbon Cutting to be held July 31, 2025, the day after the PINGP secret private “Plant Tour” three hour meeting!

Who was invited?? Who was not!!! SNORT! Who decides?

Why is this lobbying meeting held in private, on a site with attendance severely restricted with a gate and guards (I should note that at the gate, the two security guys had BIG guns). Shouldn’t it be open to the public? What are they saying and doing that they don’t want public?

Official business? There are Xcel issues on the City’s agenda so often, like their extortion of responsibility for the emergency sirens; request for additional dry casks; Integrated Resource Plan; the LATE PUC comment with watered down language… It’s likely no specific agenda item, pending or past, was discussed, but it’s easy to do umbrella lobbying about nuclear power, additional casks, and “need” for generation.

Does this pass the smell test for local officials of Minn. Stat. 471.895?

It’s been a long time since I attended the annual Xcel Energy community breakfast… SEVENTEEN YEARS!

Breakfast on Xcel May 14th, 2008

Today’s meeting will be over soon — better get this posted!!