Noah Beardslee - Project Optimist

A black Tesla Model 3 is connected to a charger at a Hy-Vee in Rochester, Minn. The Hy-Vee store is visible in the background. It's an overcast day.

There's money in EV charging, but who can get in the market?

The mission to beef up charging infrastructure is more financial than technical, experts say.

Cardboard boxes and paper are seen in a bunker at the Otter Tail County Recycling Center.

How Extended Producer Responsibility will work in Minnesota

Project Optimist finds out how the law aimed at reducing packaging waste could affect taxpayers, businesses, and consumers.

Recycling boxes sit on the curb outside a home in Canada waiting to be picked up.

Environment

Extended Producer Responsibility shifts recycling cost, promises investment

Minnesota wants producers to pay for recycling. How has that worked in Canada and the European Union?

Man stands next to donkey in a pasture on his farm.

agriculture

Rental programs help Minnesota farmers test-drive no-till

Some Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Minnesota rent no-till equipment to farmers, which allows them to plant cover crops. However, maintenance costs and the availability and size of the equipment can be barriers.