MPR News Reflections and observations on the news

Tag: Energy

Petroleum magic

Bob Collins August 4, 2010, 2:06 PM Aug 4, 2010

1

A report today says most of the oil that spewed into the Gulf of Mexico has disappeared. Where did it go?

Is a Woodbury ice rink a waste or a reward?

Bob Collins August 3, 2010, 3:12 PM Aug 3, 2010

5

Whether a $3.9 million return on a $2.3 million investment (most of which was bonding money, by the way) is a good deal is worthy of scholarly debate, but shouldn’t the critical elements of the discussion be pointed out in any evaluation of the investment?

Street light savings time

dgaraets July 9, 2010, 3:35 PM Jul 9, 2010

5

Tom Bodett would not be happy with Brainerd, Minn. The City Council there voted to keep about a quarter of the city’s 1,600 streetlights dark, despite complaints from many residents.

Minnesota’s quiet energy pigs

Bob Collins June 14, 2010, 2:55 PM Jun 14, 2010

2

A study finds 75 percent of desktop computer electricity use occurs when no one is actually using their computer.

The oil spill up close

Bob Collins May 12, 2010, 12:50 PM May 12, 2010

2

One might feel somewhat guilty noting the beauty in the disaster.

No BP backlash detected

Bob Collins May 5, 2010, 9:38 AM May 5, 2010

The giant oil spill from the BP-leased oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico is apparently having no effect at BP’s convenience stores.

Dark days for ethanol?

Bob Collins April 13, 2010, 1:40 PM Apr 13, 2010

2

The ethanol industry is fighting back against attempts to curtail billions of dollars in tax credits.

The appliance rebate program postscript

Bob Collins March 3, 2010, 8:48 AM Mar 3, 2010

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Now that it’s closed, will the appliance rebate program do what it was supposed to?

Fresh Eye on the Radio: Calculating the appliance rebate benefit

Bob Collins March 1, 2010, 5:32 PM Mar 1, 2010

5

How much energy will be saved with the state rebates on appliances?

A return to higher gas prices

Bob Collins January 6, 2010, 10:54 AM Jan 6, 2010

3

Even though there’s little demand for it, the price of gasoline is inching toward $3.

Coal ash dumps in Minnesota

Bob Collins September 8, 2009, 3:41 PM Sep 8, 2009

2

A federal survey finds at least four sites where coal ash is stored in Minnesota.

Exit the light bulb

Bob Collins August 31, 2009, 4:32 PM Aug 31, 2009

13

Europe bans the incandescent light bulb starting Tuesday.

Taxed by the mile

Bob Collins July 20, 2009, 11:43 AM Jul 20, 2009

13

The government is studying whether to charge people per mile driven, but says it won’t adopt the idea.

Business group: Raise taxes

Bob Collins July 15, 2009, 4:03 PM Jul 15, 2009

The national gas tax hasn’t been raised in more than 15 years. The Chamber of Commerce wants that to change.

How to get weatherization help

Bob Collins July 9, 2009, 12:33 PM Jul 9, 2009

Following up on a Morning Edition interview on tapping into economic stimulus money to improve the energy efficiency in your home.