Articles

ENN

New report shows mixed rate impact from renewables

How do state renewable energy mandates affect electricity rates? The national data remain a Rorschach test for supporters and opponents of the policies.

12 April 2012
ENN

Nonprofit turns energy assistance into independence

Twelve years ago, Jason Edens set out to transform heating and cooling assistance for low-income families into a clean, energy-independent solution. Since then, his organization has helped hundreds of families install low-cost solar furnaces to help reduce their energy bills.

By Tristan Pollock . 11 April 2012
ENN

Q&A with Maggie Koerth-Baker

The Minneapolis author's new book, Before the Lights Go Out, argues we already have the technologies today to solve the energy problems of tomorrow.

By Tom Vandyck . 9 April 2012
ENN

How are renewable standards faring in state legislatures?

State legislatures across the region have been considering several proposals related to renewable portfolio standards. With sessions winding down for the year, we decided to check in to see how the policies are faring.
Photo by Joe Gratz via Creative Commons

6 April 2012
ENN

Is the Chevy Volt's payback period really 26 years?

A recent New York Times article on hybrid cars puts the break-even point of buying a Chevy Volt vs. a Chevy Cruze at 26 years. But a closer look at the math reveals that figure is seriously questionable.

By Ken Paulman . 5 April 2012
ENN

As Brazil absorbs excess U.S. ethanol, it's also a source

The U.S. ethanol market is increasingly intertwined with that of Brazil – a country that simultaneously provides an export market for Midwestern corn-based ethanol, as well as a source for California to buy sugar cane-based fuel that state regulators say has a lower carbon footprint.

By Anthony Brino . 5 April 2012
ENN

Bill seeks to open books on Minnesota coal project

A bill in the Minnesota legislature seeks to repeal a provision that exempts a tax-funded state development agency from open records laws.

By Ken Paulman . 4 April 2012
ENN

Cities aim to cut red tape for solar installers

The time and money it takes installers to file for local permits is estimated to account for up to 20 percent of the cost of a solar installation, and a national effort in more than two dozen cities hopes to bring more convenience and consistency into the process.
Photo by madjalapeno via Creative Commons

4 April 2012
ENN

Minnesota renewable fund to be revived under new rules

The Minnesota Legislature is poised to change the workings of a state renewable energy fund that critics say has been misused in recent years.

By Holly Dolezalek . 3 April 2012
ENN

How industry could become the next efficiency frontier

Homeowners have been buttoning up their windows and doors. Businesses are installing LED lights. But what role should manufacturers play in the effort to conserve energy?
Photo by Mark Tebeau via Creative Commons

By Drew Kerr . 3 April 2012