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.

Canada pledges Great Lakes funding after Trudeau-Biden talks
Some members of the U.S. Congress and advocacy groups had complained that Canada has done too little to help clean up the lakes, which suffer from industrial toxins, invasive species, harmful algae and other problems.
Bayport riverside residents prepare for possible flooding
The National Weather Service said major flooding is likely in several areas of Minnesota this year. In the town of Bayport, just south of Stillwater, residents who live close to the St. Croix River are doing what they can now to prepare for high water.
On Madeline Island, residents aim to preserve their ferry lifeline
A warming climate and the gradual loss of the ice road on Lake Superior has made the Madeline Island Ferry an even more essential lifeline for residents and tourists. Now the town of La Pointe, Wis., is trying to buy the service to ensure it runs well into the future.
Xcel to temporarily shut down Monticello plant amid new tritium leak
Crews discovered a container being used to catch the contaminated water as a short-term solution had spilled over, resulting in a new leakage from the same location, Chris Clark, Xcel's Minnesota president, told reporters Friday morning at the nuclear plant.
Climate change could shift maple syrup season
Spring has officially begun, which means maple syrup season is in full swing. But a sugarmaker at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum says the beginning and end of the season has fluctuated quite a bit as the climate changes.
30 invasive carp caught in Mississippi near Winona, largest upstream haul
Invasive carp compete with native species and pose a threat to Minnesota’s rivers and lakes. DNR officials said Thursday that while there’s no “silver bullet” remedy, they’re using “proven methods” to minimize the risk of spread.
Ahead of potentially historic flooding, here's what to know (and do) to prepare
The spring flooding season is on its way in Minnesota and could include major water level rises along the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers. Here’s how to prepare — and help — if and when the water rises.
Fargo-Moorhead drops curbside glass recycling, citing costs
Glass can still be brought to recycling drop off sites in both cities but it will be reused locally rather than being shipped to a Twin Cities recycler. The local recycling company said the change will save money and reduce the carbon footprint for processing glass.