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
Xcel says it will meet carbon-free law by 2035 under energy plan approved by Minnesota regulators
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.
February 21, 2025
Environment
Amazon wants to limit review of 250 diesel generators at its Minnesota data center
The fleet would run mainly in outages, but has raised environmental questions and sparked debate about the state’s ability to explore alternatives.
February 17, 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
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
Outdoor Activities
A river runs through Hockeytown USA, and you can skate on it for miles.
Ice trails like the one in Warroad have become destinations for skilled hockey players and new skaters alike.
February 6, 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
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
Outdoor Activities
A river runs through Hockeytown USA, and you can skate on it for miles.
Ice trails like the one in Warroad have become destinations for skilled hockey players and new skaters alike.
February 6, 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