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
Editor's Pick
In farm country, a plan for a $4B data center takes root with vast wind, solar and battery projects
The plan reflects breathtaking change in the energy sector, but it’s a long way from fruition.
November 26, 2025
As huge data centers spread across country, developers are halting projects in Minnesota
An Excelsior company just froze two data center proposals in Hampton and North Mankato. Amazon abandoned its plans for a Becker data center. Those pushing the projects cite the state’s lengthy permitting process.
November 15, 2025
Election takeaways: Frey wins third term in Minneapolis, a historic St. Paul upset and a DFL Senate
State Rep. Kaohly Her channeled frustration with stubborn problems in St. Paul to defeat Mayor Melvin Carter.
November 5, 2025
With election day ahead, Twin Cities mayoral candidates make a final case
There’s a blur of last-minute campaigning in races that pitting two-term Minneapolis and St. Paul incumbents against challengers urging a fresh face and voice after eight years.
November 2, 2025
Son killed father in Isle Royale murder-suicide, newly released records show
Michigan officials offered the first new information about a case that drew national interest since June, when the bodies were found by park rangers.
October 24, 2025
Editor's Pick
North Dakota wants to block Minnesota power lines in fight over clean energy
The fight is the latest example of how the switch to clean energy has made basic grid infrastructure a partisan battleground.
October 22, 2025
50-foot-tall buildings, noise levels among details revealed in new filings for Hermantown data center
The company behind the project still hasn’t been identified, other than that it’s a Fortune 50 business.
October 18, 2025
Federal shutdown delays money for Minnesota heating bills
The cash may not arrive until November or later, though Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule limits utilities from shutting off heat.
October 15, 2025
Private equity giant will control northern Minnesota’s biggest power company
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission voted unanimously for the $6.2 billion sale of Duluth-based Allete, parent of Minnesota Power.
October 3, 2025
Trump administration cancels nearly half-billion-dollar grant to Minnesota for power lines serving seven states
The project is one of 12 in Minnesota targeted for cuts by the Republican administration, and among a larger list of canceled grants to Democratic states, during a partisan fight over a government shutdown
October 2, 2025
Northeastern Minnesota mystery project identified as data center
Mystery has been swirling for months around the project in Hermantown, Minn., amid zoning changes and offers to buy homes.
September 23, 2025
More big-name Minnesota Democrats want to stick around for more than two terms
The slate of incumbents could mean a small group of elected Democrats will lead Minnesota’s biggest political institutions for nearly a generation.
September 19, 2025
