Articles

ENN

For the ethanol industry, a delicate political balance

While the ethanol industry is moving toward a position that seems to accept an inevitable end to direct tax credits, its leaders continue to make the case for strong government support in other forms.

By Ken Paulman . 14 June 2011
ENN

Signed, fracked over in the Midwest

It's not easy being sand these days--or a riverbed or prairie land or a forest. That's because new oil-sand processing and natural-gas fracking facilities are popping up like weeds in Canada and the Midwest, resulting in destruction of the land and serious environmental concerns.

By Molly Priesmeyer . 13 June 2011
ENN

Oil sands on The Daily Show

The oil sands isn't a common topic in American media, so it came as a bit of a surprise to me that The Daily Show sent Wyatt Cenac to Alberta to do a segment on Canadian oil production.

By Ken Paulman . 10 June 2011
ENN

A brief changing of the guard

A team of actual competent writers will be taking over the Highwire blog while your humble host is on vacation.

By Ken Paulman . 10 June 2011
ENN

Does harvesting corn residue hurt soil health?

How is soil health affected by harvesting corn stover (leftover cobs, leaves, husks, and stalks) instead of leaving it on the field? The answer, it seems, depends on how much you harvest.

By Andy Pearson . 9 June 2011
ENN

Those blasted bulbs

If you're at all like me, you've been searching for a smartphone app that will delight small children and enrage Tea Partiers all at the same time.

By Ken Paulman . 8 June 2011
ENN

Oh, there's also the bus

A story on construction-related freeway traffic in the Twin Cities doesn't even consider that there are ways to get around besides driving.

By Ken Paulman . 7 June 2011
ENN

Charging stations pop up at Midwest convenience stores

A convenience store chain is installing free electric vehicle charging stations at stores in three Midwest states. But will the stations – essentially standard household outlets with a sign attached – really make a difference?

By Kari Lydersen . 7 June 2011
ENN

Two birds with one stone

University of Minnesota researches have developed a way to use sequestered carbon dioxide to produce geothermal energy.

By Ken Paulman . 6 June 2011
ENN

Let the sun shine

A Minnesota environmental group is sponsoring a solar-themed video contest with a $1,500 prize up for grabs.

By Ken Paulman . 2 June 2011