Environment

As a growing chorus of voices from all corners begin to question the benefit of agriculturally derived biofuels, Gov. Tim Pawlenty has signed into law a new biofuel mandate. The agriculture and veterans policy bill (SF 3683) mandates that by 2015, diesel fuels sold in Minnesota must contain at least 20 percent biofuel (B-20). The state currently requires diesel to contain 2 percent biofuel (B-2) but that must increase to 5 percent by May 1, 2009, and 10 percent by 2012. MORE »

Ballast water — the water that large ships take on to stabilize themselves when they’re running without cargo aboard — is a hot topic in Minnesota and in Washington, D.C., these days. Ballast water containing organisms taken on in one distant location and discharged in local waters is credited for bringing at least 30 aquatic invasive species to Lake Superior. MORE »

The Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), through the Minnesota Energy Challenge, is giving away 10 free home energy audits and, for one lucky winner, an energy “makeover” worth up to $15,000. The deadline to enter is May 15. Register online, or a paper application is available by calling 612-335-5852. MORE »

When I was almost 15, in 1961, I took a 50 mile hike for JFK’s fitness promotion. It wasn’t the plan, but I ended up walking by myself. All my friends, who were also going to go “for the President, and for our country”, found some good reason at the last minute to drop out. I was a good athlete, and this was a challenge, so I went anyway. My dad helped plan the route for us, and I think I didn’t even tell my parents when I learned no one else was going. They might have tried to stop me. MORE »