The Production Tax Credit: Corporate Subsidies & Renewable Energy

Wind energy is a $14 billion industry made up of wind facilities, turbine manufacturers, and financiers. While the industry grew over the past few decades, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) and its corporate members pushed for new and continued subsidies that would enable large energy corporations to profit at the expense of taxpayers.

In Boost to Ag Groups, Peterson Praises Wolf Delisting Letter

Did you know that Minnesota has the highest population of wolves of any state in the country? The growing population has led to efforts from Minnesota Congressman Collin Peterson to delist the species from the Endangered Species list. The story below was originally featured in the Grand Forks Herald. U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson on Wednesday praised the efforts of 19 ag and sportsmen’s groups that collectively sent a letter urging House Speaker Paul Ryan and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy to place H.R. 424, the Gray Wolf State Management Act, on the House floor for a vote before the year’s end....

Scarcity and Opportunity Cost

Howard Baetjer explains scarcity, the problem that any given good of finite supply can only ever be put to some of the many ends for which we might use it, and opportunity cost, the concept that taking one option costs us the benefit we would have gotten from taking the next-best option.

AMERICAN EXPERIMENT BOOK SHELF

Tom Emmer Selected to Lead Republican House Campaign Arm

As leadership positions for both parties took place yesterday, Minnesota's three term Rep. Tom Emmer was elected NRCC Chair after having run unopposed for the position. Set to replace Rep. Steve Stivers of Ohio in January, Emmer's objective is to bring a unified message.

Want to Save on Your Utility Bill? This Minn. Nonprofit Has Some Tips

MPR ran a piece about the efforts of Citizens Utility Board (CUB) of Minnesota to educate people on how to lower their utility bills. Among the brilliant, energy-saving insights provided by CUB were: Changing light bulbs and turning off lights and gadgets when not in use. Turning down the heat on your water heater. Washing clothes in cold water, instead of warm water. Adding insulation to your home. Putting plastic over windows in the winter to keep the cold air out These revolutionary recommendations can probably save the average home tens of dollars over the course of a year! But...

Charter Schools Hunt for a Home While Buildings Stay Vacant

With charter school enrollment on the rise, the hunt for building facilities to accommodate student body growth is a challenge. But charters’ facility problems are not due to a lack of vacated schools or property. Buildings are for sale, just not if the interested buyer is a charter school.

Subjective Value and Trade

Howard Baetjer outlines some basic concepts essential to understanding economics, including the natures of wealth and economic value.