Environment
‘An absolute failure’: Why the Legislature’s energy and climate budget does a whole lot of nothing
Despite a fair bit of common ground between House DFLers and Senate Republicans, a conference committee on the topics deadlocked.
Walker Orenstein
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Environment
Budget deal looks to address chronic wasting disease, even as Legislature sidesteps more controversial environmental issues
The CWD legislation was a top priority for Republicans and DFLers in the Legislature’s environmental committees, though they differed on how best to address the issue.
Environment
Feds renew Twin Metals’ mineral leases: What it means for the company’s proposed copper-nickel mine near the BWCA
The prospect of a copper-nickel mine on the edge of Minnesota’s most famous wilderness area has made it one of the most controversial natural resource projects in the country.
Environment
The long-simmering fight over wolf hunting in Minnesota is political — and emotional
As the federal government prepares to cut wolves from the Endangered Species Act again, the debate over wolf hunting in Minnesota is emerging anew.
State Government
Why a Minnesota environmental group is pushing new legislation based on a bill written by the mining industry in Montana
The measure would put new restrictions on certain waste storage dams for future copper-nickel mines in Minnesota.
Environment
Minnesota’s community solar program has been wildly popular. Why some want to limit it
Critics say the program has disproportionately benefited business and governments — at the expense of the average energy customer.
Environment
The Walz administration wants to conduct two major environmental studies in different parts of Minnesota. An unlikely coalition is pushing back on the idea
Democrats in the House may be aligned with Gov. Tim Walz’s administration on many environmental issues. But they have split with Walz on studying the karst and Pineland Sands regions.
Politics & Policy
Solar panels on schools: Not everyone agrees it’s such a bright idea
The DFL and GOP have allocated differing amounts to a program that gives grants to Minnesota schools looking to install solar arrays.
Environment
Why mining issues aren’t really up for discussion at the Minnesota Legislature this year
Bills related to mining tend to divide lawmakers in ways other environmental proposals don’t.
Good Jobs
A year ago, one nonprofit was engaged in bitter fight with the Dayton administration. Today it’s in line to get millions in state grants
The nonprofit collaborative EMERGE and its partners have vigorously denied that there are any major issues with their work.