Today's Question Category Archive: Environment/Energy
How have your views on nuclear power changed over the years?
Posted at 5:00 AM on February 10, 2012
by Eric Ringham
(15 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, Science/Technology
For the first time since 1978, regulators have approved the construction of new nuclear power plants in the United States. Today's Question: How have your views on nuclear power changed over the years?
If you were energy czar, how would you change U.S. energy policy?
Posted at 5:00 AM on January 30, 2012
by Eric Ringham
(31 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, Politics/Government
President Obama called last week for an "all-out, all-of-the-above strategy" for the development of U.S. sources of energy. Today's Question: If you were energy czar, how would you change U.S. energy policy?
Is it a good idea to build more nuclear plants?
Posted at 5:00 AM on December 26, 2011
by Paul Tosto
(17 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy
Federal officials recently approved a new nuclear reactor design that could lead to the first U.S. nuclear plant construction in decades.
Today's Question: Is it a good idea to build more nuclear plants?
What do you think of the prospect of a wolf hunting season in Minnesota?
Posted at 7:22 AM on December 22, 2011
by Jon Gordon
(42 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy
By the end of January, the gray wolf in Minnesota officially will be off the federal endangered species act and under the management of state officials. The DNR is working on a hunting and trapping plan for the gray wolf that could be ready by next fall if the Legislature approves.
Today's Question: What do you think of the prospect of a wolf hunting season in Minnesota?
What changes would you like to see over the next 15 years in downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul?
Posted at 5:00 AM on December 15, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(18 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Environment/Energy, Politics/Government, Science/Technology
A new design plan for Minneapolis calls for doubling the number of downtown residents in the next 15 years and making other changes to sports, arts and shopping districts. Today's Question: What changes would you like to see over the next 15 years in downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul?
How have your views on global warming evolved over time?
Posted at 5:00 AM on November 1, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(86 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, Science/Technology
A scientist who has been a prominent skeptic of global warming is making news with his latest conclusion: that global warming is real after all. The scientist, Richard Muller, conducted a two-year study of the earth's surface temperatures. He found that temperatures are rising fast. Today's Question: How have your views on global warming evolved over time?
In your home, how do you decide when it's time to turn on the heat?
Posted at 5:00 AM on September 16, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(55 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy
It's cold again. The temperature yesterday morning tied the all-time record low for the date in the Twin Cities. Today's Question: In your home, how do you decide when it's time to turn on the heat?
How should authorities decide which wildfires to fight, and which to let burn?
Posted at 5:00 AM on September 14, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(26 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, Science/Technology
The forest fire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area has grown rapidly in recent days. Hundreds of firefighters and members of the National Guard are trying to contain it. Today's Question: How should authorities decide which wildfires to fight, and which to let burn?
Does the risk of natural disaster shape where you live or travel?
Posted at 5:00 AM on August 24, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(26 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy
The East Coast just experienced an earthquake and may be facing a hurricane. This year the Midwest has been prone to floods and Arizona suffered the largest wildfire in its history. Today's Question: Does the risk of natural disaster shape where you live or travel?
Should Minnesota suspend moose hunting?
Posted at 5:00 AM on August 18, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(39 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Environment/Energy
Minnesota's moose population is in sharp decline, but the DNR says hunting is not the reason. State officials would like to ban the feeding of deer, a practice that concentrates deer and exposes moose to disease. Today's Question: Should Minnesota suspend moose hunting?
When you're shopping for a car, what fuel efficiency standard do you look for?
Posted at 5:00 AM on July 29, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(25 Comments)
Filed under: Economy, Environment/Energy, Transportation
A new agreement between the Obama administration and auto manufacturers sets an average 54.5 miles per gallon as a fuel efficiency standard by the year 2025. Today's Question: When you're shopping for a car, what fuel efficiency standard do you look for?
How is the heat affecting you?
Posted at 5:00 AM on July 19, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(51 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, Health
The current heat wave has reportedly tied a dew point record, but official information is scarce because of the state government shutdown. Forecasters say they expect the heat to continue at least through Wednesday. Today's Question: How is the heat affecting you?
Would you fish without a license?
Posted at 5:00 AM on July 14, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(50 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Environment/Energy, Politics/Government, Religion/Ethics
It's the height of fishing season, but there's no way to buy a license during the state shutdown. Though the DNR says no, some local authorities have said it's probably OK to fish now and get a license later. Today's Question: Would you fish without a license?
As an American citizen, what benefits do you feel entitled to?
Posted at 5:00 AM on May 6, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(17 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, Politics/Government
In their efforts to cut the budget deficit, federal officials are considering changes to Medicare and other benefit programs. Today's Question: As an American citizen, what benefits do you feel entitled to?
If a tower can be seen from the wilderness, is that a reason not to build it?
Posted at 5:00 AM on April 15, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(49 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, Science/Technology
Wilderness advocates are suing to prevent construction of a cell phone tower visible from some places in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Today's Question: If a tower can be seen from the wilderness, is that a reason not to build it?
When is it really spring for you?
Posted at 5:00 AM on April 6, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(58 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Environment/Energy
Spring officially arrived March 20, but for many Minnesotans it's been a long, cold winter. Today's Question: When is it really spring for you?
Which state parks would you especially want the DNR to keep open?
Posted at 5:00 AM on March 31, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(49 Comments)
Filed under: Economy, Environment/Energy, Politics/Government
DNR officials have warned that proposed budget cuts could force it to mothball some of Minnesota's state parks. Today's Question: Which state parks would you especially want the DNR to keep open?
What's the future of nuclear power?
Posted at 5:00 AM on March 15, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(36 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, Health, International affairs
Minnesota legislators have voted to lift the state's ban on new nuclear power plants. But that was before the crisis in Japan, where several reactors have been crippled following last week's earthquake. Today's Question: What's the future of nuclear power?
How aggressive should the United States be in developing its own sources of oil?
Posted at 5:00 AM on March 4, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(22 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy
With oil prices rising and the Middle East in turmoil, the Interior Department has approved the first deepwater drilling permit in the Gulf of Mexico since last year's BP disaster. Today's Question: How aggressive should the United States be in developing its own sources of oil?
What might you do differently in response to the rise in gas prices?
Posted at 5:00 AM on February 28, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(49 Comments)
Filed under: Economy, Environment/Energy, Transportation
Gas prices rose last week to an average $3.48 per gallon in the Twin Cities. Experts say the price could go significantly higher. Today's Question: What might you do differently in response to the rise in gas prices?
What would you do to improve Minnesota's parks and trails?
Posted at 5:00 AM on February 15, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(18 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, Politics/Government
The DNR has given the Legislature a 25-year plan for maintaining and improving the state system of parks and trails. Today's Question: What would you do to improve Minnesota's parks and trails?
How do you dispose of your old electronics?
Posted at 5:00 AM on January 7, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(29 Comments)
Filed under: Economy, Environment/Energy, Science/Technology
Americans discard tons of electronic gear and gadgetry every year, and only a fraction of that e-waste is recovered through recycling. Today's Question: How do you dispose of your old electronics?
What should be the chief mission of the DNR?
Posted at 5:00 AM on January 4, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(40 Comments)
Filed under: Economy, Environment/Energy, Politics/Government
Gov. Mark Dayton is preparing to appoint a commissioner for the Department of Natural Resources. His choice may help determine the DNR's approach to development, forestry and mining. Today's Question: What should be the chief mission of the DNR?
How does the severity of Minnesota winters affect your quality of life?
Posted at 5:00 AM on December 13, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(29 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Environment/Energy
The official start of winter is still more than a week away, but you wouldn't know it from the snow we've received. Today's Question: How does the severity of Minnesota winters affect your quality of life?
How careful are you to recycle everything you should?
Posted at 5:00 AM on October 12, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(20 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy
Minneapolis officials will study the garbage of randomly selected homes this week to see how much of it should have been recycled. Today's Question: How careful are you to recycle everything you should?
Should Minnesota's wolves be removed from protection as an endangered species?
Posted at 5:00 AM on September 16, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(33 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, Science/Technology
The federal government is again considering whether to remove the gray wolf from its protected status in some states. Today's Question: Should Minnesota's wolves be removed from protection as an endangered species?
Does Minnesota need to change its approach to environmental protection?
Posted at 5:00 AM on September 13, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(40 Comments)
Filed under: 2010 Governor's Race, Environment/Energy, Politics/Government
Each Monday now through the election, we'll pose a question on an issue that's pertinent to the race for Minnesota governor. Today's Question: Does Minnesota need to change its approach to environmental protection?
Democratic candidate Mark Dayton:
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency should be renamed the Pollution Reduction Agency, and its mission should become to reduce pollution throughout Minnesota. It also needs to streamline its review procedures so that they take less time, while still providing the protection Minnesotans want and deserve.
Independence Party candidate Tom Horner:
Minnesota shouldn't change its environmental protection values; we do need to improve the process. We need to streamline environmental oversight. In some cases -- protecting the water quality of our lakes, for example -- this will require more cooperation between state and local governments. In other cases -- economic development -- we will do better if we have fewer agencies, making oversight quicker, more predictable and more consistent. Protecting our state's natural assets is a priority. But the approach must be less burdensome for everyone.
Republican candidate Tom Emmer:
Minnesota is a leader in environmental protection. We have some of the strictest standards in the country. Our farmers, outdoorsmen and women, hunters and anglers are the natural conservationists.Science, technology and the economy have evolved since many of the laws, rules and regulations on environmental protection were first developed. We will review these laws to ensure that our economy is not hindered and our environment remains protected.
Maintaining and preserving our natural resources isn't a partisan issue -- it's a Minnesotan issue. Our approach will be responsible with our resources and will demand efficient and effective permitting of projects that will create jobs.
Would you want to live next to a wind turbine?
Posted at 5:00 AM on July 23, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(64 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, Science/Technology
A planned wind farm in Goodhue County has generated controversy among some area residents and officials. Today's Question: Would you want to live next to a wind turbine?
What effect should the Gulf oil disaster have on U.S. energy policy?
Posted at 5:00 AM on July 19, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(11 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy
Last week, BP seemed finally to make some progress in stopping the undersea oil gusher in the Gulf of Mexico. Today's Question: What effect should the Gulf oil disaster have on U.S. energy policy?
Should there be places where you can't be reached?
Posted at 5:00 AM on July 13, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(67 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, Science/Technology
A lawsuit has challenged the construction of a cell phone tower that would be visible from within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Today's Question: Should there be places where you can't be reached?
What do you want to hear from the president tonight?
Posted at 5:00 AM on June 15, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(39 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, Politics/Government
President Obama will address the nation tonight about the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Today's question: What do you want to hear from the president tonight?
What would it take to get you out of your car?
Posted at 5:00 AM on June 9, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(40 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, Health, Transportation
It's Bike Walk Week in Minneapolis and St. Paul, both of which draw high marks as cities that are considered bike-friendly. Today's Question: What would it take to get you out of your car?
Has the BP oil spill made you think about changing your energy behavior?
Posted at 5:00 AM on June 2, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(24 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy
Advocates say simple conservation could save many times the amount of oil being spilled in the Gulf of Mexico every day. Today's Question: Has the BP oil spill made you think about changing your energy behavior?
Whose job should it be to stop the Gulf oil spill?
Posted at 5:00 AM on May 25, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(31 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy
Officials have acknowledged that the government may have to take over the effort to plug the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico. Today's Question: Whose job should it be to stop the Gulf oil spill?
How has the Gulf oil spill affected your view of America's energy future?
Posted at 5:00 AM on May 7, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(15 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy
The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico threatens environmental and economic disaster. Today's Question: How has the Gulf oil spill affected your view of America's energy future?
Does Earth Day matter?
Posted at 5:00 AM on April 22, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(20 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy
Today is Earth Day, according to a tradition established in 1970 to focus attention on the environment. Today's Question: Does Earth Day matter?
Have wolves been protected long enough?
Posted at 5:00 AM on April 8, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(27 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy
A lawsuit filed Wednesday seeks to drop wolves from the endangered species list and return management to state authorities, who could allow a hunt in five years. Today's Question: Have wolves been protected long enough?
How aggressive should the United States be in developing its oil reserves?
Posted at 5:00 AM on April 1, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(25 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy
President Obama announced plans Wednesday to open vast areas to offshore oil drilling. Today's Question: How aggressive should the United States be in developing its oil reserves?
Does it make sense to live in a flood-prone area?
Posted at 5:00 AM on March 17, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(36 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, Security
From Fargo-Moorhead to downtown St. Paul, residents and business owners are bracing for spring floods. In some areas, such floods are becoming a regular occurrence. Today's Question: Does it make sense to live in a flood-prone area?
In tough economic times, should environmental protection take a back seat to job creation?
Posted at 5:00 AM on March 10, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(129 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy
The Legislature is considering tighter requirements governing a proposed copper-nickel mine near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Today's Question: In tough economic times, should environmental protection take a back seat to job creation?
Does it make sense to reduce car lanes for the benefit of bikes?
Posted at 5:00 AM on March 9, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(80 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, Health, Transportation
Officials are getting ready to expand walking and biking routes in the Twin Cities. In some places that will mean closing off space to cars. Today's Question: Does it make sense to reduce car lanes for the benefit of bikes?
Is it time to give nuclear power a greater role in Minnesota's energy mix?
Posted at 5:00 AM on March 4, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(36 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy
The state Senate is considering whether to lift Minnesota's moratorium on new nuclear power plants. Today's Question: Is it time to give nuclear power a greater role in Minnesota's energy mix?
What ought to be the next steps on climate change?
Posted at 6:00 AM on December 21, 2009
by Eric Ringham
(16 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, International affairs
The climate change conference that concluded last week in Copenhagen showed how hard it is to get the world community to agree on a course of action. What ought to be the next steps on climate change?
Has climate change affected your view of nuclear power?
Posted at 6:00 AM on December 15, 2009
by Eric Ringham
(37 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, Science/Technology
The effort in Copenhagen to reach an agreement limiting carbon dioxide and other emissions may spark renewed interest in nuclear power. In the United States, a bipartisan group of Senate negotiators has embraced more nuclear plants as one part of a pending climate-change bill. Has climate change affected your view of nuclear power?
What was your most memorable moment in this week's snowstorm?
Posted at 6:00 AM on December 10, 2009
by Eric Ringham
(12 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Environment/Energy
The storm that swept through Minnesota and the Upper Midwest transformed the landscape, snarled traffic and changed human plans in untold ways. What was your most memorable moment in this week's snowstorm?
Will you be paying attention to the Copenhagen climate talks?
Posted at 6:00 AM on December 7, 2009
by Eric Ringham
(35 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, International affairs, Science/Technology
Today marks the start of the Copenhagen climate change conference, where government officials from around the world will try to reach a deal on a common strategy. Will you be paying attention to the Copenhagen climate talks?
Comments texted to MPR:
Yes, and I hope our world's leaders will put aside industry and national loyalties and be bold enough to agree to meaningful treaties for the good of this earth and all its citizens. -Angela, Bemidji, MN
Climate change is not on my radar on a day to day, minute to minute basis. Water meters in the bathroom or power meters in living areas would help. -Erik, Minneapolis, MN
Are you comfortable increasing Minnesota's reliance on nuclear power?
Posted at 6:00 AM on November 20, 2009
by Eric Ringham
(33 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission gave approval last week for an Xcel Energy plan to produce more power at its Prairie Island nuclear plant. Xcel also will store more nuclear waste at the site. Are you comfortable increasing Minnesota's reliance on nuclear power?
What does the opening of deer season mean to your family?
Posted at 6:00 AM on November 6, 2009
by Eric Ringham
(22 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Environment/Energy
Saturday is opening day of Minnesota's firearm season on white-tailed deer. According to the Department of Natural Resources, about half a million hunters participate in the hunt each year. What does the opening of deer season mean to your family?
Comment texted to MPR:
What hunting means to my family? Dad is gone for two days to be alone and think about life. I don't care for deer as food. If I shoot one, it'll be donated. Hope I don't though! I have a hard time de-boning a chicken! -Don, St. Paul, MN
Are you doing anything in your daily life to fight global warming?
Posted at 6:00 AM on November 3, 2009
by Eric Ringham
(35 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy
Author Tim Flannery, a guest today on "Midmorning," argues that the fate of the planet depends on our developing a sense of responsibility about climate change. Are you doing anything in your daily life to fight global warming?
Comments texted to MPR:
I fight global warming by eating vegetarian dinners three times per week, walking or biking for short errands, and we're installing solar panels on our house this spring. -Alex, Red Wing, MN
I do my part to reduce emissions by taking the bus. I say, come on people, its so easy and reduces my stress level because I don't have to worry about rush hour. -Bryan, Minneapolis, MN
I do all the recycling for my three jobs. I switched to a better gas mileage car, we turn our heat off during the day, and i try to make sure we all turn the lights off and shorten our showers! Every little bit helps! -Julie, Howard Lake, MN
You forgot the word "relevant". People's actions are meaningless unless they are owners of airplane fleets. -Mookie, St. Paul, MN
My husband and I recycle, purchase mostly organic, locally-grown food items and try to lower our energy consumption by using LEDs throughout our home. We also unplug electronics before we leave for work in the morning. -Russ and Tina, White Bear Lake, MN
I'm lobbying members of Congress and riding the bus to work more often. -Mike, St. Paul, MN
I'm staying poor...buying necessities, used clothing, used furniture, entertainment. I'm walking, biking. -anonymous
Share your reply in the comments: Are you doing anything in your daily life to fight global warming?
What part of your life has the greatest impact on your health?
Posted at 6:00 AM on October 7, 2009
by Eric Ringham
(14 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, Health, Science/Technology
A series concluding today on All Things Considered examines the "social determinants" that affect health - factors like income, neighborhood and education. What part of your life has the greatest impact on your health?
My jobs in personal training, massage therapy, and yoga instruction. If i didn't do these daily for work, i wouldn't do them on my own, likely. So my work, and the knowledge that comes with them, keeps me going! -Julie, Howard Lake, MN
What is the moonshot for our times?
Posted at 6:00 AM on July 16, 2009
by Eric Ringham
(11 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, Politics/Government, Science/Technology
Forty years ago today, three U.S. astronauts were launched into space on the Apollo 11 mission, which put a human being on the moon for the first time. It was a moment when the nation seemed united behind a common, innovative goal. Members of the Obama administration have suggested that we need that kind of approach to energy policy. What's your suggestion? What is the moonshot for our times?
The moonshot didn't just unite our country, it united the world. The most recent such experience, I fear, was 9/11. On that occasion I e-mailed to a friend that this event would herald a new era of civility in America. And I was right. For about two weeks. -Fred Marx, Minneapolis, MN
First, find a better name. The sixties moonshot gave the nation a common purpose but most of us were only spectators. Today we need a common goal which requires participation of everyone. I think the "Giant Leap for Mankind" in our day should be to create an internet database where inventors and thinkers could publish their technological ideas, to be shared as quickly as possible, so that we could have ever more minds working to push technology forward. Prize money and recognition should be awarded to those who contribute the best ideas. The database would keep track of who was first with particular ideas. -Thomas Johnson, Virginia, MN
We really don't have one, we instead need to fix our infrastructure which is falling apart; create a single payer health care system and come to grips with global warming. This is much more significant than ANYTHING we do in space. -Robert Keegan, Coon Rapids, MN
So far, we don't have one. It should be to fund the research to develop technology and renewable, sustainable sources of energy to replace fossil fuel. We should be leading the way for the rest of the world. -Sharon Grimes, Minnetonka, MN
Better health care than Taiwan for as little money per capita. How ever will we, and our workers, compete with the top 20 economies of the world saddled by health care costs two or three times higher than the competition. The parasites who have gotten rich off the suffering of the American people must be cast off and we must embrace the lessons learned and applied around the world. We need only the common sense and the humility to move forward. -Harv Doucette, Brainerd, MN
Share your reply in the comments: What is the moonshot for our times?
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