Details of the ongoing testing and experimentation of an autonomous shuttle bus called Minnie at a facility north of the Twin Cities.

"Winter driving in Minnesota presents some challenges for the technology underpinning autonomous vehicles, much of it being developed by companies in temperate Silicon Valley, and tested in sunnier climes," reports Greta Kaul.
There's a test to prove it too. As Kaul reports, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is testing an autonomous shuttle bus affectionately nicknamed "Minnie," at a facility near Albertville. Conditions in Minnesota and other northern states will determine the future feasibility of autonomous vehicles. "It’s important, [Minnesota Department of Transportation officials] say, that conditions like snow, salt-caked cars and black ice are considered by both manufacturers and policymakers as cars start to drive themselves."
So far, Minnie has encountered difficulties with snowbound conditions. For instance, road salt blocks sensors. 3M "is working with MnDOT on the shuttle project, is helping to develop films that protects the sensors," according to Kaul. There's also falling snow: "LIDAR is a very sophisticated form of technology, but it can be foiled by precipitation," explains Kaul. Snow is a particularly good reflector of infrared laser light, too.
FULL STORY: Driving in Minnesota winters is hard — even for driverless vehicles

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Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Poorest NYC Neighborhoods Pay Price for Delivery Boom
The rise of ‘last-mile’ e-commerce warehouses — and their attendant truck traffic and air pollution — is disproportionately impacting the most historically disadvantaged parts of the city.

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With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.

California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas
Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.
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