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.

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Climate Cast

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

Minnesota’s energy future
Minnesota aims to be carbon-free by 2050. Here’s a look at what needs to happen until then.
How could Minnesota become carbon-free? New MPR News series dives in
On Tuesday mornings, our reporters will be exploring the opportunities — but also the challenges — the state faces as it moves away from fossil fuels and toward more climate-friendly energy sources.
Fatal grizzly attack renews debate over how many bears are too many
Authorities have been unable to find the bear that killed a woman near Yellowstone National Park late last month. The attack has renewed calls to take grizzlies off the endangered species list.
Proposed Minnesota high-voltage 180-mile power line could cost $1B
Utilities say the new transmission lines are needed to help maintain a reliable power grid, as existing coal plants are retired and more solar and wind energy is brought online.
Reducing the carbon footprint of the cannabis industry
Recreational marijuana is now officially legal in Minnesota but this may not be great news for the climate given the intense greenhouse gas emissions of growing the plant indoors. So as the cannabis industry continues to expand, how can it reduce its massive carbon footprint?
Minnesota Supreme Court deals another setback to proposed NorthMet mine
The Minnesota Supreme Court has dealt another blow to the proposed NorthMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota, sending a key water quality permit back to state regulators for additional work.
Withering heat is more common, but getting AC is still a struggle in public housing
Many people in public housing are especially vulnerable to extreme heat, and there's no federal requirement for air conditioning. That leaves some tenants struggling to pay for it on their own.