Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now

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.

Concern about crops sprouts amid extreme drought, heat

Concern about crops sprouts amid extreme drought, heat

Extreme drought and sweltering heat are sowing trouble for Minnesota corn crops and backyard gardens alike. Nick Peterson, a member of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association Board of Directors and a farmer in Clear Lake, says it’s been a “trying summer” due to the complicated conditions.
by Phil Picardi and Gracie Stockton

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Endangered Dakota skippers released in renewed prairie landscape

Endangered Dakota skippers released in renewed prairie landscape

A butterfly species once common on Minnesota’s prairie is fluttering again over native flowers and grasses. Hundreds of endangered Dakota skipper butterflies were reintroduced to Glacial Lakes State Park.
by Aaliyah Demry

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
An otter turned outlaw continues to evade wildlife officials in Santa Cruz

An otter turned outlaw continues to evade wildlife officials in Santa Cruz

Otter 841 has become a celebrity after a month of stealing surfboards at a popular beach in Santa Cruz. Authorities are trying to catch her, but the otter's fans want her to be left alone in the wild.
by Dustin Jones

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Amid a record heat wave, Texas construction workers lose their right to rest breaks

Amid a record heat wave, Texas construction workers lose their right to rest breaks

In June, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law undoing local protections that ensured breaks for laborers who spend their days in scorching heat. The law takes effect Sept. 1.
by Hannah Levitan, Investigative Reporting Workshop

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
MPCA: American Crystal Sugar Company didn't follow wastewater rules

MPCA: American Crystal Sugar Company didn't follow wastewater rules

A major sugar and agricultural company based in Moorhead, Minn., has been fined for wastewater quality violations involving fecal matter and other pollutants.
by Amy Felegy

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Leaked groundwater containing tritium may have reached Mississippi River in Monticello

Leaked groundwater containing tritium may have reached Mississippi River in Monticello

Xcel Energy says water with very low levels of radioactive tritium was detected about 30 feet from the river’s edge. State health and pollution control officials say there’s no risk to drinking water.
by Kirsti Marohn

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!