skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Medical copays reduce health care access in MS prisons; Israel planted explosives in pagers sold to Hezbollah according to official sources; Serving looks with books: Libraries fight 'fast fashion' by lending clothes; Menhaden decline threatens Virginia's ecosystem, fisheries.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

JD Vance calls for toning down political rhetoric, while calls for his resignation grow because of his own comments. The Secret Service again faces intense criticism, and a right to IVF is again voted down in the US Senate.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Big Stone Decision Expected Tomorrow

play audio
Play

Wednesday, June 4, 2008   

St. Paul, MN – A decision is expected Thursday about whether a coal-fired power plant on the drawing board in South Dakota will be able to transmit some of its energy output into Minnesota. Backers of the Big Stone Two power plant want to build it near the town of Milbank, in northeastern South Dakota, and bring power into Minnesota through transmission lines to Morris and Granite Falls. To do the latter, they need a green light from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

On Tuesday, the PUC heard arguments from both sides. Janette Brimmer, legal director for the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, argued against the plan on behalf of five environmental and conservation groups that are hoping instead for cleaner energy alternatives.

"The public and regulators and policymakers look at this and say, 'Do we really want old, dirty coal?' It's not good for public health, it's not good for the environment and, certainly, the whole global warming component is driving a lot of that consideration."

Big Stone Two proponents consider coal the cheapest and most efficient source of power for a growing energy market. But Brimmer says opponents see better options, which would produce even more energy in the long run.

"Look at conservation - you know, we could really use a lot less energy. And efficiency measures - like more efficient appliances. Wind energy is a big part of this case, too, because western Minnesota and the eastern Dakotas have some of the best wind resources in the nation."

If they lose Thursday's vote, Big Stone Two backers can appeal. However, Brimmer says it would be a long, expensive process, one that they might not wish to undertake.



get more stories like this via email

more stories
Including the $236 million in federal funding for wildland fire management recently announced for 2025, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has invested a total of $1 billion to the cause, according to the Department of the Interior. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

This month, the federal government announced funding for next year's wildfire management, totaling $236 million and experts hope threatened …


Social Issues

play sound

From gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson to Superintendent of Public Instruction hopeful Michele Morrow, some Republicans running for office have …

Social Issues

play sound

California is home to more than 181,000 people who are unhoused, with 75,000 in Los Angeles alone, so the Los Angeles Food Policy Council will host a …


Ohio is among 13 jurisdictions requiring Saturday and Sunday hours for early voting. (PX Media/Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

This week, National Voter Registration Day was another timely reminder for Ohioans preparing for the 2024 general election. The latest reports from …

Health and Wellness

play sound

September is Self-Care Awareness Month and the American Heart Association in Missouri is urging caregivers to take some much-needed time for themselve…

Menhaden are forage fish species and filter feeders, each capable of filtering up to seven gallons of water per minute. (Photo of female Osprey with Menhaden/TRCP)

Environment

play sound

In Virginia's waters, the decline of a small but critically important fish is causing growing concern among conservation groups and fishermen alike…

Social Issues

play sound

Colorado voters will decide whether to change the state's constitution to ensure families have school choice as a fundamental right. Kallie Leyba…

Environment

play sound

By Claire Elise Thompson for Grist.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for New Hampshire News Connection reporting for the Grist-Public News Service C…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021