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
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
Greater Minnesota
Two injured in Minnesota hunting-related gunshot incidents Saturday
Authorities said the 34-year-old Dilworth man was in serious condition when transported to a Fargo hospital. A 37-year-old man sustained a nonlife-threatening gunshot injury in Norman County.
November 10, 2024
St. Paul
BCA investigating fatal St. Paul police shooting of man in West Seventh neighborhood
The incident comes nearly two weeks after St. Paul officers shot an armed man suspected of killing three people.
November 10, 2024
Environment
Minnesota homeowners say they were hit with huge hidden fees when going solar
Attorney General Keith Ellison has accused finance companies of hiding big fees while offering low interest rates to solar customers. The companies say they’re obeying the law.
November 8, 2024
Environment
Xcel to spend $11B more than planned to keep up with accelerating changes in energy system
The company says its five-year spending plan of $34 billion last year has jumped to $45 billion, and says customers won’t see the full rate increase in bills because of federal tax credits.
October 31, 2024
Environment
State OKs higher electric rates for Minnesota Power customers
The second rate increase in two years was smaller than what was sought by the Duluth-based utility.
October 24, 2024
Environment
A new iron magnet — invented in Minnesota — could reduce reliance on China for EV motors and cellphones
Niron Magnetics makes magnets without “rare earth” elements that can be used in electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, cellphones, headphones and more.
October 16, 2024
Environment
In Minnesota, the switch to electric vehicles includes your local Zamboni
It’s a quintessentially Minnesotan sign of the continued march of the U.S. economy away from fossil fuels. The Minnesota Wild is following the lead of most local rinks.
October 9, 2024
Environment
Xcel to spend $11B more than planned to keep up with accelerating changes in energy system
The company says its five-year spending plan of $34 billion last year has jumped to $45 billion, and says customers won’t see the full rate increase in bills because of federal tax credits.
October 31, 2024
Environment
State OKs higher electric rates for Minnesota Power customers
The second rate increase in two years was smaller than what was sought by the Duluth-based utility.
October 24, 2024
Environment
A new iron magnet — invented in Minnesota — could reduce reliance on China for EV motors and cellphones
Niron Magnetics makes magnets without “rare earth” elements that can be used in electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, cellphones, headphones and more.
October 16, 2024
Environment
In Minnesota, the switch to electric vehicles includes your local Zamboni
It’s a quintessentially Minnesotan sign of the continued march of the U.S. economy away from fossil fuels. The Minnesota Wild is following the lead of most local rinks.
October 9, 2024