What the downfall of an environmental powerhouse could mean for conservative policy

Over the past decade, some progressive movements have adopted rigid ideological positions that may be limiting their effectiveness on key issues. As a result, new opportunities for more pragmatic, market-based approaches to energy and environmental policy may be gaining traction.

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Minnesota regulators allow biomass and garbage incineration over protesters’ opposition

After a contentious hearing interrupted by environmentalist protestors, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) ruled that electricity utilities that burn municipal waste or biomass could meet the Carbon-Free Standard under certain conditions. A state law passed in 2023 mandates utilities meet a 100% carbon-free electricity goal by 2040 and directs the PUC to oversee the process.

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At a glance: Michigan

A snapshot of energy and environmental facts about the state of Michigan.

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Palmer: A new era in mining safety

Being called to appear this early in my tenure as assistant secretary, I thought it would be helpful to share with you my initial vision for how I believe MSHA should fulfill its mission of preventing death, illness and injuries from mining and promoting safe and healthful workplaces for the nation’s miners.

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