Topics

Energy & Resources

  • Tribal refinery plan draws national attention
    A proposed oil refinery on the Fort Berthold Indian reservation is seen as a solution to poverty by tribal leaders. But the plan has many critics and skeptics.August 23, 2006
  • Excelsior Energy debate goes to the public
    Opponents of Excelsior Energy's proposed coal gasification power plant are focusing on water discharges to Iron Range mine pit.August 22, 2006
  • High fuel costs affect some more than others
    While everyone who drives is feeling the impact of the rising cost of fuel, some businesses like trucking companies and farming operations are being hit even harder.August 10, 2006
  • Are we conserving yet?
    Most people are feeling the pinch of higher gas prices, but does that mean we've changed our behavior yet? And does the past energy crisis of the 1970s hold lessons still?Midmorning, August 9, 2006
  • Insecurity in the pipeline
    A small leak shuts down the country's biggest oil field. And you thought the world's dwindling energy supply was only threatened by hurricanes and civil unrest.August 8, 2006
  • Concordia language village goes green
    The German village at Concordia Language Camps is putting the finishing touches on a green house that'll be used as an educational tool for kids at the camp. They'll not only learn a new language but some new energy habits as well.August 3, 2006
  • Coleman supports higher gas mileage standards
    Higher gas prices are fueling the call for cars that get better gas mileage. For years, U.S. automakers have resisted attempts to raise the mandatory mileage requirements. Now a new attempt is underway in Washington, with an unlikely supporter -- Minnesota's Republican Sen. Norm Coleman.August 1, 2006
  • Koochiching County hopes emerging gasification technology could solve garbage woes
    A proposed $30 million facility in Koochiching County could convert municipal waste to energy with minimal emissions. It would be the first of its kind in North America. Some environmentalists say the technology might be too good to be true.July 31, 2006
  • Neighborhood electric cars hit Minnesota streets
    A new Minnesota law allows neighborhood electric vehicles on Minnesota streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less.July 30, 2006
  • Ethanol is no cure-all for energy problems
    Ethanol is far from a cure-all for the nation's energy problems, according to a new report released Monday. It's not as environmentally friendly as some supporters claim, and would supply only 12 percent of U.S. motoring fuel -- even if every acre of corn were used.July 10, 2006
  • Pipeline project divides Minnesota landowners
    A subsidiary of Koch Industries is asking Minnesota regulators for permission to build a new 300-mile crude oil pipeline from northern Minnesota to refineries south of the Twin Cities. Some property owners say they do not want the line running through their land.June 18, 2006
  • Will high gas prices actually help Minnesota tourism?
    Tourism officials say the high price of gasoline won't hurt travel in Minnesota this summer. In fact it might actually attract more tourists.May 29, 2006
  • The debate over sulfide mining
    A new copper/nickel mine could bring 400 direct jobs to the Iron Range. But some people worry that copper/nickel mining will poison the environment.May 25, 2006
  • Rule change could mean lower taxes for Minnesota power companies
    The energy industry pays a lot in property taxes, so residents of power plant towns generally owe less at tax time. But now the state Revenue Department is considering a rule change that could lower the taxes energy companies pay.May 16, 2006
  • One eye's on the gas pump, the other's on the ballot box
    Legislators acknowledge there's not much the state can do about the high prices. But that may not matter to voters who could take out their frustration on incumbents this fall.May 12, 2006

MPR News
Radio

Listen Now

Other Radio Streams from MPR

Classical MPR
Radio Heartland

Environment News from NPR

Services