Environment
What the legislative auditor will — and won’t — investigate about a key PolyMet permit
While the auditor’s findings could spark legislative action, the office is “not reviewing whether PolyMet should occur or not.”
Walker Orenstein
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Good Jobs
A push to bolster Minnesota’s tech economy takes shape
The Legislature re-instituted an “angel” tax credit and created “Launch Minnesota” to nurture the state’s tech scene. Lawmakers also agreed to spend $40 million on a grant program to help build infrastructure for rural high-speed internet.
Environment
PolyMet is now owned by Switzerland’s Glencore. Why it matters
Glencore brings a hefty bankroll, a wealth of experience in the field — and a history of labor issues and pollution problems.
Good Jobs
Why one nonprofit wants to change the way Minnesota distributes equity money
Equity money makes up a significant chunk of state spending on workforce development, and direct payments to nonprofits specifically chosen by the Legislature have ignited considerable debate at the state Capitol.
Environment
PolyMet, the EPA, and the accusations against the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, explained
As PolyMet marches toward construction, new questions have emerged about a critical state water permit issued by the MPCA.
Environment
What is Amy Klobuchar’s stance on copper-nickel mining?
Minnesota’s senior senator has long been a champion of the iron industry. Her position on copper-nickel mining, however, remains something of a mystery — to those on both sides of the issue.
Environment
Minnesota’s Legislative Water Commission, left in limbo, hopes for quick resuscitation
It was either an innocent snafu, partisan budget negotiations gone awry or a mix of the two. But either way, the LWC is stuck in government purgatory — granted new funding but still set to sunset on July 1.
Good Jobs
The Legislature talked a lot about changing Minnesota’s approach to equity funding. Here’s why it didn’t happen.
The equity program has been popular at the Capitol. But it has also been the source of friction between some nonprofits and the state Department of Employment and Economic Opportunity, which administers the funding.
Environment
A setback for Line 3: What the latest court ruling means for the future of the project
The Minnesota Court of Appeals reversed a decision by the state’s Public Utilities Commission, a ruling that may delay Enbridge’s progress toward building the 337-mile pipeline.
Politics & Policy
In Washington and St. Paul, progress on rural broadband internet is slow, spotty
Both parties in both capitals claim to be for rural broadband development. That doesn’t mean the problem’s getting solved quickly.