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
Fact check: Did suspect in Minnesota shootings have close ties to Gov. Tim Walz? No.
The governor reappointed Boelter to an advisory board in 2019, but one member says the board is bipartisan. A friend of Boelter’s called him a strong supporter of President Donald Trump.
June 16, 2025
What we know so far about Minnesota lawmaker shootings
Rep. Melissa Hortman was assassinated while Sen. John Hoffman was shot and injured.
June 16, 2025
How shootings of MN Rep. Melissa Hortman, Sen. John Hoffman unfolded
Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot early Saturday morning in what Gov. Tim Walz said appears to be a politically motivated assassination.
June 14, 2025
Two campers died on Lake Superior’s remote Isle Royale. Here’s what we know.
Located in the northwest part of Lake Superior, Isle Royale is one of the most inaccessible wilderness areas in the Midwest
June 13, 2025
What new rules for data centers mean for the environment and the industry’s future in Minnesota
Some wanted tougher standards for water use and transparency, while others fear Minnesota is falling behind in competition for construction jobs.
June 11, 2025
Minnesota lawmakers finish work on $66 billion budget before deadline
Legislators started work at 10 a.m. Monday and wrapped up hours before a Tuesday morning deadline.
June 10, 2025
Xcel lets loose a small army of hungry sheep to keep its solar farm in order
The sheep grazing is the latest — and biggest — example of a growing movement in Minnesota to improve habitat at solar farms and incorporate agriculture.
May 31, 2025
Before Gov. Walz tussled with Elon Musk, Tesla supercharged Minnesota’s EV market
As Democrats abandon Tesla in droves, EV experts don’t think Minnesota will lose climate progress in the political divorce.
May 23, 2025
Amazon suspends Minnesota data center as lawmakers plan to reduce Big Tech tax breaks
State utility regulators in February also ruled Amazon must prove it needs 250 backup diesel generators at the site, a decision the company sought to reverse at the Legislature.
May 23, 2025
A massive development is proposed for a northeastern Minnesota city. Local officials aren’t saying what it is.
The industrial project proposed for Hermantown carries some hallmarks of a data center.
May 21, 2025
A Minnesota tribe built solar for its casino. Now its electric supplier vows to cut off power.
The unusual conflict has pitted assertions of tribal sovereignty against claims that the solar array flouts state utility laws.
May 16, 2025
Clean-energy developer suspends wind project in Minnesota, cites tariffs as a factor
Delays and costs played a larger role, but Trump’s trade war exacerbated the situation, a company representative said.
May 14, 2025
