The Latest from Walker Orenstein

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  How small city utilities are grappling with Minnesota’s new 100% carbon-free standard

  Hibbing has a biomass plant, while Princeton has backup diesel generators. Could they and other city utilities be forced to find alternative power sources?

  By Walker Orenstein  .  22 February 2023

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  Democrats wrestle with studying ‘advanced’ nuclear energy in wake of Minnesota carbon-free bill

  The research might be something of an olive branch from Democrats to minority Republicans, who lambasted the DFL for refusing to lift a ban on new nuclear plants in the landmark electricity regulations signed by Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday.

  By Walker Orenstein  .  10 February 2023

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  Why Minnesota Democrats aren’t embracing California’s ban on new gas cars

  Some states plan to join California in largely banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, but Minnesota doesn't seem poised to follow suit.

  By Walker Orenstein  .  22 September 2022

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  Minnesota's Iron Range may soon be home to one of the largest solar panel manufacturing facilities in the country

  Solar panel manufacturer Heliene, which currently employs about 75 people at its Mountain Iron facility, is planning a $21 million expansion, with state and local governments are chipping in millions for the project.

  By Walker Orenstein  .  13 September 2021

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  ‘Do your job’: Was Line 3 message from powerful Minnesota legislator a form of intimidation — or ‘respectful’ advocacy?

  A voicemail from Minnesota's Senate majority leader to the then-MPCA commissioner about Enbridge’s controversial oil pipeline project offers a rare glimpse of political machinations at the Minnesota Capitol

  By Walker Orenstein  .  27 July 2021