Environmental News

MPR News is your source for environment news from Minnesota and across the country.

Getting to Green: Minnesota’s energy future

Getting to Green is an MPR News series that shares stories about Minnesota’s clean energy transition, including what needs to be done to get there.

Submit a question or story for Getting to Green here.

Climate Cast

Listen to Climate Cast, the MPR News podcast all about our changing climate and its impact in Minnesota and worldwide.

What’s in our water?
Chemicals and microbes are entering our water systems. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how to make sure our drinking water is safe and the water in our lakes and waterways won’t make us sick.  
Swimmers complete record 24-hour Lake Superior relay — without wetsuits
Six swimmers completed a 48-mile, 24-hour relay in Lake Superior, from Split Rock Lighthouse to Duluth, without wetsuits — to set a record and to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change on one of the world’s largest lakes.
The EPA removes federal protections for most of the country's wetlands
The amended EPA rule is to comply with a Supreme Court ruling this year that narrowed the scope of the Clean Water Act and the agency's power to regulate waterways and wetlands.
3M 'forever chemicals' settlement moves forward
Attorneys general in 22 states have dropped their objections to a multibillion-dollar settlement over water contamination by chemicals made by 3M. Lawsuits sought damages for contamination of public water supplies.
Brainerd considers contentious question of chlorinating the city's drinking water
Currently, Brainerd is the largest city in Minnesota that doesn't regularly chlorinate its water, only when there's an issue. The city has a long history of fighting additives to its drinking water.
Morris is a small Minnesota town with big climate goals
Morris is getting national attention for efforts to embrace the clean energy transition. It’s a leader in the push for clean energy by taking a practical local approach to a global challenge.
Minnesota manufacturer finds gold in green hydrogen, electrolyzers
A manufacturing facility in Fridley, Minn., has been getting national attention from green energy advocates, including President Joe Biden, because of its production of electrolyzers, which are key to producing hydrogen using renewable energy.