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.

Why lasers could help make the electric grid greener
Thousands of renewable projects are waiting to connect to the grid, but there aren't enough transmission lines. Some tech companies have faster and cheaper solutions.
Good wild rice harvest anticipated across Minnesota
Minnesota has more natural wild rice than any other state. Hundreds of people take part in the harvest each fall as a way to earn money or simply fill their pantry.
The years-long journey to save a tiny snail you've never heard of
Researchers in upstate New York are working to rehome some tiny, rare snails. Understanding their decline could help mitigate broader climate changes.
Boil water advisory issued for city of Brainerd
A boil water advisory is in effect for the city of Brainerd, Minn., after testing found bacterial contamination in the city water system.
Making sure Minnesota gets its share of green energy money
As part of our “Getting to Green” series, the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Pete Wyckoff talks about the amount of federal funding available to accelerate the transition to a clean economy, and his role in making sure Minnesota gets its share of the money
Rulemaking process underway for new environmental justice areas
A rulemaking process is underway by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for a law passed this year aimed at addressing health inequities in disenfranchised communities.