Minnesota
Minnesota governor signs new law to reform state's energy permitting process: 'We knocked off 18 months or more from the construction timeline'
In a move to energize Minnesota’s clean energy future, Gov. Tim Walz has cut the red tape to let renewable projects get through faster.
According to KTTC, Walz signed a new law aimed at streamlining the state’s energy permitting process, reducing bureaucratic delays to increase the speed of development of renewable energy infrastructure.
The legislation aims to modernize the energy permitting system without compromising environmental or safety standards. The new law is expected to significantly cut red tape for businesses initiating clean energy projects, potentially shortening the construction timeline by 18 months or more.
“Ten years is too long to be able to build our infrastructure. With the bill that we passed this year, we knocked off 18 months or more from the construction timeline, which is a really big deal,” House Majority Leader Rep. Jamie Long said.
This legislative move is part of Minnesota’s broader strategy to achieve 100% clean energy by 2040. With faster project initiation, the state anticipates numerous benefits, including job creation, enhanced energy independence, and a reduction in pollution.
Minnesota is already a leader in renewable energy, generating 6 gigawatts of solar, wind, and storage capacity. That makes it the 10th-largest generator of renewable electricity in the U.S, according to KTTC.
The American Clean Power Association says wind, solar, and energy storage projects in Minnesota have received $13 billion in capital investments as of early 2024, as reported by KTTC.
Gov. Walz also underscored the law’s environmental significance, particularly in light of recent extreme weather events that have impacted several Minnesota communities.
“This is a measure that will help protect our environment and get the clean energy projects that are going to help fight climate change in motion,” he said.
Meanwhile, individuals can take advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act tax breaks and credits when looking to make eco-friendly upgrades to their home.
The governor’s proactive approach, coupled with robust investments in renewable infrastructure, positions Minnesota as a beacon of progress and innovation in the fight for a greener planet.
Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
Minnesota
Christian Fitzgerald nets second hat trick of season, Wisconsin hockey beats Minnesota in Big Ten opener
MADISON – It took 734 days and seven meetings, but the Wisconsin men’s hockey team finally got the best of its border rival.
The Badgers snapped a six-game winless streak against the Gophers on Thursday Oct. 30 with a 5-2 victory at the Kohl Center in the Big Ten opener.
Wisconsin, which is ranked No. 14, in the USCHO poll, extended its unbeaten streak to open the season to seven games. With a 5-0-2 record the Badgers are off to their best start since the 2000-01 season when they started 7-0.
Senior forward Christian Fitzgerald recorded his second hat trick of the season, while seniors Ben Dexheimer and Kyle Kukkonen made two assists. Nine plays in all scored a point for the Badgers.
No. 18 Minnesota, which dropped its third straight game, fell to 2-6-1.
Five of the seven goals in the game were scored in the second period.
Sophomore Logan Hensler scored what proved to be the game-winner at the 11:56 mark of that period off a pass from Kukkonen to give UW a 3-2 edge.
Fitzgerald’s performance allowed him to surpass last season’s goal total. It was also his second multi-goal game of the season. He had a hat trick in the second game at Lindenwood.
He gave UW a 1-0 lead at the 5:26 mark of the second period and pushed the Badgers’ lead to 4-2 at the 2:19 of the third period. He completed the hat trick with an empty net goal with 75 seconds left.
Check jsonline later for more on the game.
The Gophers host Michigan State at Huntington Bank Stadium this Saturday. At 0-5 in conference play, the Spartans have been one of the most disappointing teams in the Big Ten, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still dangerous. Here are five key matchups for this week’s game.
Marsh has a strong argument for being the best player on Michigan State. Listed at 6-foot-3, 203 pounds, he has 46 catches for 479 yards and five touchdowns, which are all team highs. The Gophers’ cornerbacks struggled against California, Rutgers and Ohio State, but they’ve responded against Purdue, Nebraska and Iowa over the last three weeks. With John Nestor’s status up in the air, Za’Quan Bryan and the rest of Minnesota’s corners will need to step up.
Subscribe: Sign up to receive the free Gophers On SI newsletter
Over the last two weeks, Minnesota has faced No. 2 and No. 8 pass defenses in the country. Lindsey has completed 66.6% of his passes for 131 yards per game with two total touchdowns and three interceptions. He has a great opportunity to get back on track this week against Michigan State’s 87th-ranked unit, which has allowed 230.8 yards per game through the air. With Darius Taylor’s status up in the air, Lindsey might need to have a big game.
Michigan State’s starting quarterback, Aidan Chiles, struggled last week, completing 50% of his passes for only 130 yards and one rushing touchdown. He has been pretty up and down all season, and there haven’t been any signs that imply that the Spartans would make a change at the position, but they’re 0-5 in conference play. If they make a move, it would likely be for freshman Alessio Milivojevic, who has looked good in garbage time. This could be something that completely changes the game if Michigan State makes a surprise decision.
After a breakthrough performance against Nebraska, Minnesota’s offensive line reverted to its old ways against the Hawkeyes. They will face a far less daunting Michigan State defensive front this week. The Spartans’ 14 sacks rank 88th-best as a team, and their 149.4 rushing yards per game rank 76th-best. The Gophers have an opportunity on Saturday to get their confidence back.
The Gophers haven’t lost back-to-back games all season, but they might face their toughest challenge to avoid that happening this week against the Spartans. It’s hard to find many things on paper where Michigan State has a huge advantage over Minnesota, which makes this game even more sneaky. The Gophers badly need to respond emotionally after last week’s beatdown in Iowa City.
Sheldon teacher named 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year
Kentucky Chamber Foundation announces next chapter in effort to strengthen Kentucky’s future – NKyTribune
Louisiana Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 results for Oct. 30, 2025
These Maine students are sinking to the bottom
Maryland lawmaker wants to end emissions testing
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Video: Mamdani Leads in Latest Polls
Fox News Politics Newsletter: 2025 Election Day survival guide
Merz urges deeper ties with Turkey despite disagreements on Gaza
Trump says he wants to resume nuclear testing. Here’s what that would mean
Tracking U.S. Military Killings in Boat Attacks
-
New York1 week agoVideo: How Mamdani Has Evolved in the Mayoral Race
-
News1 week agoVideo: Federal Agents Detain Man During New York City Raid
-
News1 week agoBooks about race and gender to be returned to school libraries on some military bases
-
News1 week agoVideo: Driver Crashes Car Into Security Gate Near White House
-
News1 week agoVideo: Inside Our Reporter’s Collection of Guantánamo Portraits
-
Politics1 week agoHunter Biden breaks silence on pardon from dad Joe: ‘I realize how privileged I am’
-
Politics1 week agoJack Smith defends subpoenaing Republican senators’ phone records: ‘Entirely proper’
-
World1 week agoTrump to host NATO chief at White House as Putin meeting collapses