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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.

An Earth Day check-in on Minnesota's climate goals

An Earth Day check-in on Minnesota's climate goals

The state is trying to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030, compared to 2005 levels, and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. It is not on track to meet those goals, if current trends continue.
by Nina Moini and Alanna Elder

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U of M Morris, known for sustainability, takes on renewable heat

U of M Morris, known for sustainability, takes on renewable heat

The University of Minnesota Morris reached carbon neutrality when it comes to the electricity that powers its campus, thanks to two wind turbines named Bert and Ernie. Now, it's taking steps to decarbonize the source of heat in its buildings.
by Nina Moini and Ngoc Bui

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Nitrate is quietly polluting rural drinking wells. How researchers are working to help

Nitrate is quietly polluting rural drinking wells. How researchers are working to help

Across the central U.S., nitrate from crop fertilizer and livestock facilities is seeping into water underground. Many family wells are no longer safe to drink from without pricey treatment.

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Nobles County Board votes against zoning change, preventing massive data centers

Nobles County Board votes against zoning change, preventing massive data centers

The Nobles County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to reject a zoning change that would allow data centers to be built on farmland. The county's planning commission also rejected the measure earlier this month as hundreds of local residents voiced opposition.
by Hannah Yang

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Outdoor writer Stephanie Pearson's new book is a guide to the country's most iconic hikes

Outdoor writer Stephanie Pearson's new book is a guide to the country's most iconic hikes

Duluth native and outdoor writer Stephanie Pearson gives MPR News a glimpse into her new book, “100 Hikes of a Lifetime USA,” a culmination of her experiences hiking across the country.
by Kelly Gordon and Ellen Finn

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Mining industry group reacts to Senate overturning ban on mining near Boundary Waters

Mining industry group reacts to Senate overturning ban on mining near Boundary Waters

The U.S. Senate voted 50-49 Thursday morning to overturn a ban on mining near the Boundary Waters. The vote is a win for the company Twin Metals, which aims to build an underground copper-nickel mine just south of the boundary waters.
by Kelly Gordon and Alanna Elder

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Senate votes 50-49 to overturn mining ban near Boundary Waters

Senate votes 50-49 to overturn mining ban near Boundary Waters

The vote clears the path for Twin Metals to reapply to open an underground copper mine near Ely, just outside the wilderness area. Conservation groups argue mining in the region poses an unacceptable pollution threat.
by Dan Kraker

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