Walker Orenstein
Reporter
Energy, natural resources and sustainabilityWalker Orenstein covers energy, natural resources and sustainability for the Star Tribune. Orenstein previously covered state government and politics with a focus on greater Minnesota and environmental issues for MinnPost, and he reported on the Legislature in Washington state for The News Tribune of Tacoma. He was raised in St. Paul and attended the University of Washington in Seattle. In his spare time, Orenstein enjoys playing hockey, hiking and camping..
Latest from Walker Orenstein
Environment
Mega data centers are coming to Minnesota. Their power needs are staggering.
With at least 10 planned, these Big Tech projects could consume as much electricity as every home in Minnesota.
January 10, 2025
Environment
Minnesota regulators hit pause on controversial gas pipeline near Pipestone National Monument
The state Public Utilities Commission ordered cultural and archeological inventories along two potential routes following tribal criticism of a route permit granted several months ago.
January 7, 2025
Business
Xcel Energy electric bills rise 5.2% in Minnesota for 2025
Minnesota utility regulators approved temporarily higher rates as they scrutinize Xcel’s request for an even larger rate hike. AG Keith Ellison is among those who opposed the interim rates.
January 2, 2025
Environment
Company with Minnesota clean energy ambitions puts solar cell factory on hold ahead of power shift in Washington
Canada-based Heliene Inc. won’t move ahead with building the second solar cell plant in the U.S. until it knows how Trump will handle the Inflation Reduction Act. Heliene assembles solar parts on the Iron Range and soon in Rogers.
December 27, 2024
Environment
Minn. regulators approve controversial Summit carbon pipeline
Construction on Summit’s pipeline can’t start until the project moves ahead in North Dakota. It has inspired a debate over risk of a leak and the value of carbon capture for ethanol as a climate solution.
December 12, 2024
Environment
Minnesota is now offering rebates for home batteries. Should you get one?
Installers and experts say batteries can be a good source of backup power for homes and businesses. They could also be a moneymaker, though not yet for most Minnesotans.
December 12, 2024
Environment
CenterPoint agrees to smaller gas bill hike for Minnesota customers
The increases are smaller than what the Houston-based company originally wanted and would result in an extra $3.97 on the average monthly bill.
November 26, 2024
Environment
Minnesota utilities expect billions from Biden’s clean energy law. Its future under Trump is uncertain.
Power companies say grants and tax credits will help them bring down the cost of a shift away from fossil fuels for customers. There is some GOP support for the Inflation Reduction Act as it pours money into politically conservative areas.
November 15, 2024
Environment
Minn. regulators approve controversial Summit carbon pipeline
Construction on Summit’s pipeline can’t start until the project moves ahead in North Dakota. It has inspired a debate over risk of a leak and the value of carbon capture for ethanol as a climate solution.
December 12, 2024
Environment
Minnesota is now offering rebates for home batteries. Should you get one?
Installers and experts say batteries can be a good source of backup power for homes and businesses. They could also be a moneymaker, though not yet for most Minnesotans.
December 12, 2024
Environment
CenterPoint agrees to smaller gas bill hike for Minnesota customers
The increases are smaller than what the Houston-based company originally wanted and would result in an extra $3.97 on the average monthly bill.
November 26, 2024
Environment
Minnesota utilities expect billions from Biden’s clean energy law. Its future under Trump is uncertain.
Power companies say grants and tax credits will help them bring down the cost of a shift away from fossil fuels for customers. There is some GOP support for the Inflation Reduction Act as it pours money into politically conservative areas.
November 15, 2024