Minnesota was narrowly beat by Illinois with 2,733 megawatts of wind power capacity, according to an American Wind Energy Association report cited in the Pioneer Press. Texas, Iowa and California are the top three wind energy producers.

Minnesota ranks third among the states in the percentage of electricity produced by wind power. President Obama highlighted the Energy Department's report on the growth of wind energy during an Iowa campaign stop. He's calling for the extension of a tax credit for wind energy producers.

After a beautiful summer-like day -- fall is ready to move in. A cold front will move through the area early Thursday -- bringing with it cooler temperatures and gusty winds around 40 miles per hour.

Electromagnetic interference from wind farms can disrupt the radar systems used by airports and the military. An agency of the U.S. Energy Department says it flew helicopters over three Minnesota farms this month to test technology aimed at limiting that interference.

The necessary permits are in place to build a 95-megawatt wind farm north of Paynesville, but Edina-based Geronimo Wind Energy is still looking for a utility company to buy its energy. A St. Cloud Times report says this has delayed construction by a year on central Minnesota's first large-scale wind farm, that includes as many as 60 turbines.

The new position will act as a facilitator for mining projects and oversee state regulations for taconite and copper-nickel mining. Officials say they're hoping to fill the role as quickly as possible.

The Department of Natural Resources is auctioning rights to prospect and mine for metallic minerals on close to 64,000 acres in northeastern Minnesota, in Aitkiin, St. Louis and Lake counties, the Associated Press reports.