The company expects to extend the life of its two nuclear plants, build a gas plant and develop vast amounts of wind, solar and battery power.
More from Environment
The Latest
Minnesota’s pollution complaint system faulted in report on Smith Foundry
The Office of the Legislative Auditor recommended the state work closely with the EPA to calculate emissions more consistently.
February 13, 2025
Environment
Minnesota utility regulators approve 8.17% rate hike for Xcel gas customers
Affected customers have already been paying a temporarily higher rate while the hike was being debated.
February 13, 2025
Environment
Xcel rethinks land sale contracts after buyer flipped $8M data center property to Amazon for $73M
The company’s sale of 348 acres in Becker to Elk River Technologies drew criticism and questions after the buyer sold it months later for nearly 10 times the price.
February 11, 2025
Outdoors
Minnesota’s elusive pine martens are on the hunt in snowy woods
The capable hunters are fueling up before the next generation is born, starting next month.
February 10, 2025
Curious Minnesota
Why is the loon Minnesota’s state bird? It almost didn’t happen.
Lawmakers considered the goldfinch. Kids liked the scarlet tanager best. The whole thing took more than three decades.
February 7, 2025
Environment
Big tech will use Minnesota tax breaks for an influx of data centers. Nobody knows how much it will cost.
Minnesota lawmakers are considering extending tax incentives to an industry poised to skyrocket.
February 7, 2025
Environment
Waconia High School conservation club mixes hunting, fishing and rubbish cleanups to celebrate the outdoors
Still growing after 18 years, the group is about to revitalize a forest.
February 5, 2025
Environment
DNR must consider anew whether to study massive pool of mine waste above Lake Superior, court rules
The tailings basin at Milepost 7 could be studied for the cumulative effects of extending its dams, even though the project was approved in the 1970s.
February 3, 2025
Business
Easy ways to save money on energy costs at home
Inefficient energy use contributes to pollution, climate change and high utility bills.
February 1, 2025
Nation
Rats! More rodents are infesting cities as scientists say warmer temperatures mean more rat babies
Rat infestation in many world cities appears to be soaring, especially in Washington, and a new study blames warming temperatures, urbanization and other human actions.
January 31, 2025
Environment
Newest Minnesota utility regulator spent her career in clean-energy policy
The governor picked Audrey Partridge as one of five members of the Public Utilities Commission, which oversees energy bills and the power industry.
January 30, 2025
Environment
Greenhouse gas emissions grow in latest data, throwing Minnesota off target for climate goals
After a sharp drop in emissions reported for 2020, climate-warming pollution rose in 2022. State officials say the data doesn’t reflect climate spending passed recently.
January 30, 2025