Stories in this week’s energy news covered everything from solar panels to extreme weather.
View Full Storypowering progress
At the Capitol: Wrapping up the 2012 legislative session
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Minneapolis rides away with more biking accolades
WalkScore just ranked Minneapolis as the nation's top bike-friendly city. Take that, Portland.
Learn more
WalkScore just ranked Minneapolis as the nation's top bike-friendly city. Take that, Portland.
Learn more
Clean Energy
Hear Maggie Koerth Baker discuss America’s energy future
In April, Minnesota Public Radio’s Bright Ideas series featured Maggie Koerth Baker, the science editor at Boing Boing, how economic and social incentives can increase fossil fuel consumption and how similar incentives can reverse that effect.
View Full StoryThe sun shines on Minnesota’s Capitol
The Minnesota legislature has passed and the Governor has signed HF 1752/SF1463, an approximately $500 million bonding bill that included an option for public buildings to utilize solar energy.
View Full StoryEnergy Efficiency
Solving the split incentive in rental unit efficiency
How do you improve the energy efficiency of apartments and other rental units when renters don’t own the property or appliances and landlords don’t see the benefits in their pocketbooks from improvement because they don’t pay the utility bills? It’s a much-debated conundrum that even has a name: the “split incentive” problem.
View Full StoryColorado, Illinois make it easy to find energy-efficient homes
Shopping for a home that’s energy efficient isn’t always easy. While hardwood floors, two-car garages, and swimming pools are typical searchable attributes, energy efficiency data and green building certifications are not so easily found.
View Full Story“If the house which he built fall in and kill its owner”: building codes, Babylonian-style
After reading this month’s Powering Progress and discovering how essential building codes are to a modern community’s safety and energy efficiency, you’re undoubtedly wondering, Whence came building codes?
View Full StoryGlobal Warming
How our coal plants are causing extreme weather and food insecurity in East Africa
The climate isn’t waiting to change. It’s impacting the world now—especially in parts of Africa. Current data shows more extreme weather and droughts throughout East Africa, events that have led to food shortages and social disruption.
View Full StoryFree Forum: Drought & Disruption: Impacts of climate change in East Africa
6.5.12 // Join us for a public forum about the impacts of climate change in East Africa and how you can take action.
View Full StoryEarth Tuesday: The results are in!
On April 24, we launched Earth Tuesday, our first-ever 24-hour fundraising event. And the results are finally in.
View Full StoryTransportation & Land Use
Like a good challenge? Join the Commuter Challenge this summer!
Earlier this week, I signed up for My Commuter Challenge, and you should too. It’s easy, great for the environment, saves money, and promotes a healthier you! Now through June 30, you can join the challenge and enter to win lots of fabulous prizes.
View Full StoryPlay by play: The Legislature’s Southwest Light Rail line failure
You’ve probably heard by now that funding for the Southwest Light Rail Line didn’t make it into this year’s bonding bill. If you’ve been following along all legislative session, you know there were numerous back-and-forth rounds between legislators, Governor Dayton, proponents, and opponents—with choice quotes and poll results to match.
View Full StoryMinneapolis rides away with more biking accolades
To those of us who live here, it’s not news that Minneapolis is a great place for biking. Strong community support and smart transportation policies have led to a two-wheeled boom all over Minnesota.
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