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 regulators narrowly approve gas pipeline near Pipestone Monument
On a 3-2 vote, the state Public Utilities Commission sided with Magellan Pipeline Co. over tribes who consider the area foundational to their religious beliefs.
September 13, 2024
Environment
Bid to reopen oil pipeline near Pipestone monument prompts tribal backlash
Out of service for two years, the pipeline would be routed around the monument. But Native Americans say it threatens a quarry that one local official calls “key to our spirituality.”
September 10, 2024
Environment
Wind power developer pledges to clear discarded turbine blades from Minnesota town
NextEra Energy told Minnesota utility regulators it would start moving the junk next month after two startup recycling contractors failed to do so for nearly four years.
September 5, 2024
Environment
Future of discarded wind turbine blades in Minnesota town gets cloudier after company disappears
With the future uncertain for the gigantic pile of wind junk, one man tried to cut through a blade with a stump grinder.
September 3, 2024
Greater Minnesota
Minnesota farm country debates what could be the state’s first carbon-capture pipeline
Pipeline safety and environmental benefits are in question as the Summit Carbon Solutions project — an $8.9 billion system in five Upper Midwest states — tries to move ahead in Minnesota.
August 28, 2024
Outdoors
Here comes the sun: Giant solar projects could transform Minnesota’s energy landscape
More than a dozen colossal projects across mostly rural areas of the state could substantially boost Minnesota’s modest capacity for solar energy.
August 23, 2024
Environment
After backlash, Xcel retreats from Minnesota plan for higher peak rates, lower overnight costs
The Minneapolis-based company is now pitching a voluntary “time of use” program that allows residential customers to opt in to dynamic rates with lower peak prices, rather than automatically enrolling everyone.
August 22, 2024
Environment
State warned Minnesota Power about spills before 5-million-gallon coal plant leak
The Duluth-based utility reported 11 spills — all much smaller — between October 2021 and October 2023 at its large Boswell Energy Center in Cohasset, Minn., including three of ash wastewater.
August 19, 2024
Greater Minnesota
Minnesota farm country debates what could be the state’s first carbon-capture pipeline
Pipeline safety and environmental benefits are in question as the Summit Carbon Solutions project — an $8.9 billion system in five Upper Midwest states — tries to move ahead in Minnesota.
August 28, 2024
Outdoors
Here comes the sun: Giant solar projects could transform Minnesota’s energy landscape
More than a dozen colossal projects across mostly rural areas of the state could substantially boost Minnesota’s modest capacity for solar energy.
August 23, 2024
Environment
After backlash, Xcel retreats from Minnesota plan for higher peak rates, lower overnight costs
The Minneapolis-based company is now pitching a voluntary “time of use” program that allows residential customers to opt in to dynamic rates with lower peak prices, rather than automatically enrolling everyone.
August 22, 2024
Environment
State warned Minnesota Power about spills before 5-million-gallon coal plant leak
The Duluth-based utility reported 11 spills — all much smaller — between October 2021 and October 2023 at its large Boswell Energy Center in Cohasset, Minn., including three of ash wastewater.
August 19, 2024