Green energy + Smith Foundry controversy
| | Wind and solar energy producers frustrated by connection delays, congestion in power grid |
Across Minnesota, solar and wind companies are building new facilities to generate green energy. However, many are frustrated by long delays in getting connected to the power grid, and then when they do, many find they cannot operate at full capacity because the grid cannot handle it.
“We have wind farms that are built, that they’re ready, the wind is blowing, but there’s not enough transmission capacity on the system,” said Adam Sokolski, director of regulatory and legislative affairs at EDF Renewables North America, which runs the the Stoneray Wind Project on Buffalo Ridge near Woodstock in southwest Minnesota. | |
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| | Activists voice concerns in ongoing Smith Foundry investigation |
Residents and climate activists in Minneapolis’ East Phillips neighborhood are continuing calls to shut down Smith Foundry, as regulators continue an investigation into pollution levels.
State and federal regulators said recent test data from Smith Foundry shows it’s operating within the rules set out in its permit. But local environmental activists are still calling for action against the iron foundry, since federal regulators noted violations of state and federal regulations last summer. | |
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| What else we're watching: |
In Nevada primary, Joe Biden wins, Nikki Haley trounced by 'none of these candidates' option. Trump didn’t compete in the primary, which doesn’t award any delegates needed to win the GOP nomination. The former president is instead focused on caucuses that will be held Thursday.
Minnesota's electric vehicle rebate program opens today. Here's what you need to know. Both new and used electric vehicles purchased or leased on or after May 25, 2023, are eligible. For new vehicles, the rebates are up to $2,500. For used vehicles, it’s up to $600. There are no income eligibility requirements. Each person can get up to one rebate per year.
'It's like losing a family member': Former Lutsen Lodge owners of 30 years reflect on loss, legacy after fire. The lodge has been a Minnesota landmark on the North Shore since 1885, making it the oldest resort in the state. It was destroyed by a fire Tuesday.
A Floridian transplant expected the worst of Minnesota's winter. She documented her disappointment on TikTok. For some life-long Minnesotans, this winter might be considered a nice break. But we were curious what is it like for a Minnesota transplant who was expecting the worst of winter.
Here's what matters to voters — and what could change their minds if it's Biden-Trump. Preserving democracy tops the list of issues for voters in this election year, but not for Republicans, who are most concerned with immigration, a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll finds.
Introducing Talking Sense: Have hard political conversations, better. During what’s sure to be another contentious election year, MPR News is launching Talking Sense. It’s a yearlong reporting project that helps you navigate challenging political conversations in a way that’s aimed at preserving your relationships. | |
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