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Energy & Resources

• Controversy still plagues tire proposal in Preston
  An unusual plan to turn scrap tires into energy has divided the tiny southeastern Minnesota town of Preston. It's a community known for its trout streams, bike paths and scenic beauty. But these days, this once sleepy corner of the state has become the backdrop for protests, lawsuits, and political infighting.May 6, 2004
• NowHaus 01: A new design for homes
  The first weekend in May marks the 17th annual Minneapolis and St. Paul Home Tour. The Home Tour invites enthusiasts to visit the best in new and remodeled houses. This year there's one house that's likely to stand out from the others. It's creators call it "Nowhaus 01." They say it combines the sensibilities of modern art with new trends in sustainable urban architecture.April 29, 2004
• Timber industry wants to increase logging in Minnesota
  Thirty years ago, Minnesota's timber industry was booming. But today, the industry is floundering. Recent mill closures and cutbacks in the industry have cost Minnesota more than 1,000 jobs. Some say that's partly because prices for Minnesota trees are among the highest in the country. Industry officials say the state could ease the cost crunch. They want Minnesota and the federal government to open up more of their forests to logging.December 22, 2003
• Stalled energy bill could hurt wind projects
  Wind energy is a fast growing energy source for Minnesota. But that could change if Congress doesn't finish work on an energy bill.November 25, 2003
• Putin's freezing of oil shares worries Russians and observers
  Turmoil continues in Russia over President Vladimir Putin's jailing of the boss of a huge oil company. Russian government officials say they are concerned Putin's war against the oil giant Yukos will undermine that country's economy and political system.November 3, 2003
• Coal gasification plant: worth the tradeoff?
  Iron Rangers are excited about the prospects of a new multi-billion dollar power plant, proposed for Hoyt Lakes. The proposal is part of a controversial energy bill which includes a provision allowing oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., says he's tempted to vote for the bill because it has many good things for Minnesota. Supporters say the project will create badly needed electricity for Minnesota, and even more badly needed jobs for the Iron Range. The project's been quietly making headway since first proposed about two years ago.September 30, 2003
• From windmills to wind farms
  The concept of wind power dates back some 5,000 years to ancient Egypt. Since then humans have used wind to power sailboats, grind grain, pump water, and most recently, generate electricity. Over the past few decades Minnesota has emerged as a national leader in that area. The state has successfully converted from windmills to wind farms.September 29, 2003
• Xcel plans to convert to cleaner fuel
  State regulators are taking testimony this week on Xcel Energy's proposal to convert some of its coal-fired power plants to natural gas. The $1 billion project would reduce some air pollutants altogether in two plants. Plant neighbors and environmentalists generally favor Xcel's plans. But business leaders fear the conversions will cost too much.September 16, 2003
• Energy conservation and alternatives
  Congress is working on an energy bill that may address the weakness in the electricity grid. Some argue stress on the grid could be alleviated by conservation and increased use of alternative energy sources.September 4, 2003
• Protecting our power supply
  Last week's power blackout in parts of the Midwest and East Coast left most of us feeling lucky to have our lights on. But there's that nagging question about whether such a thing could happen here. What's the best way to safeguard our supply of electricity?August 21, 2003
• Electric power's current needs and future
  The exact causes of the blackout still are murky. Flaws in the electricity transmission system are better known.August 19, 2003
• Iraqi oil production far from back to normal
  Iraq's oil industry is struggling to get back to production amid sabotage, power outages and looting. Iraqis are hoping to avoid pitfalls other countries endured during transitions in their oil industries.August 12, 2003
• Audit confirms Xcel falsified records
  An audit of Xcel Energy says a small number of employees recorded inaccurate information that resulted in unreliable reporting of power outages. State regulators commissioned the audit last fall. The decision to examine Xcel's records followed accusations that the company falsified the length of power outages so it would to meet state-ordered reliability standards. Xcel says it has found instances where company documentation procedures were not followed consistently.August 5, 2003
• Rail expansion heads to federal court
  The fate of the largest modern railroad expansion is now in the hands of a federal appeals court. A three-judge panel heard arguments in St. Paul on Wednesday in the case of the Dakota Minnesota and Eastern Railroad's $2 billion expansion, requiring hundreds of miles of new and rehabilitated track. It's all part of a plan to haul coal from Wyoming through South Dakota and Minnesota. A federal board approved that plan early last year. But it remains highly controversial, and opponents are challenging challenged the federal approval process.June 11, 2003
• Coleman votes against drilling in ANWR
  Despite last-minute reservations, Sen. Norm Coleman decided to stick with a campaign promise and voted against allowing oil drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Shortly before the vote, the Minnesota Republican said he was considering changing his stance because supporters had offered to divert money to support biodiesel. That would have helped Minnesota farmers, Coleman said.March 19, 2003

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