Environment
McCollum got language asking for the study into an appropriations bill that passed the House. Sens. Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar are supporting a similar measure in the Senate.
Good Jobs
Minnesota’s economic development agency requires partner nonprofits to report a lot of data, even as agency officials and legislators acknowledge the information isn’t critical for program evaluation.
Environment
As farmers have suffered under U.S. trade policies, a push to invigorate the biofuels industry in Minnesota has gained new momentum.
Good Jobs
Reimbursement payments for CCAP are so low that Minnesota is not compliant with federal requirements. But Senate Republicans say they aren’t convinced DHS can be trusted with the money needed to address the problem.
Good Jobs
The opinion was a victory for states that have instituted rules to bar internet service providers from throttling web traffic and charging businesses more for faster speeds. It also gives new life to those who want Minnesota to follow suit.
Environment
The five-member PUC unanimously turned down Xcel’s request to buy the plant, saying it was a risk for customers and could lead to higher energy bills with minimal benefits.
Environment
Walz wants to increase the supply of electric vehicles and reduce emissions. But the agenda’s centerpiece — joining California in setting rules that promote low- and zero-emission vehicles — hinges on a court battle with the Trump administration.
Environment
Following the announcement of the settlement, two nonprofits — Community Members for Environmental Justice and Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy — called for a criminal investigation of Northern Metals.
Environment
District Court Judge John Guthmann has ordered the whistleblower and a host of others to appear at a hearing on Monday to sort out the recent volley of allegations between the MPCA and Northern Metals.
State Government
The crux of the policy is aimed at changing how the Public Utilities Commission makes decisions.
Environment
It’s an argument that has become popular among supporters of the Twin Metals and PolyMet projects. Yet the clean energy case for copper-nickel mining hasn’t exactly won over skeptics in Minnesota.
Environment
In March, Water Gremlin agreed to pay $7 million in a legal settlement with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency over emissions of the carcinogen TCE. Yet the agency has also drawn the ire of some White Bear residents for not catching the the problems sooner.
Environment
Unions are split on the Green New Deal — a broad set of climate, energy and economic proposals — if not on the need to address climate change.
Good Jobs
The fair’s decision not to track the diversity of its vendors “is sort of like putting your head in the sand,” said Rebecca Lucero, the commissioner of the state’s Department of Human Rights. “You’re choosing to not find out what’s going on.”
Environment
“We really don’t care if you’re Republican or Democrat,” said Mike Syversrud, president of the Iron Range Building and Construction Trades Council. “We want people who will support local union jobs and creating more local jobs for everybody.”
