Environmental News

MPR News is your source for environment news from Minnesota and across the country.

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White Earth Nation imposes moratorium on large livestock farms
The White Earth Tribal Council has imposed a moratorium on animal feedlots within the boundaries of the reservation located in northwestern Minnesota. It’s unclear how the moratorium will affect the regulatory process for such farms.
In an ever-brighter world, tourists travel north for truly dark skies
The fourth annual Dark Sky Festival begins Thursday evening in Cook County in far northeastern Minnesota, a region increasingly known for its astrotourism and a chance to see truly dark skies in an ever-brightening world.
Boil water advisory lifted near major water main break in north Minneapolis
Authorities on Tuesday morning issued a now-lifted boil water advisory for homes and businesses near the site of a major water main break in north Minneapolis. City officials said it may be days before crews can complete repairs to the main that dates back to the 1800s.
Factory workers across the U.S. say they were exposed to asbestos on the job
Their accounts contrast sharply with what chemical giants have said about worker safety at their facilities. At an Olin plant outside of McIntosh, Ala., workers recall decades of asbestos exposure.
Green group pitches alternative vision for PolyMet site
An environmental group fighting the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota has proposed an alternative vision for the site that reimagines it as a clean energy and manufacturing hub.
Climate signals from the sparrows in the sky
Birds are sentinel species when it come to our changing climate. And even subtle climate shifts can have outsized impacts.
Biden: Nevada site sacred to tribes to be national monument
The site, to be designated Avi Kwa Ame National Monument, would encompass a rugged and dry triangular-shaped area roughly from the Colorado River — marking the Arizona state line — to California and the California Mojave National Preserve. The area is mostly undeveloped landscape dotted with Joshua trees and bighorn sheep migration routes.
U.S. bat species devastated by fungus now listed as endangered
The Biden administration is designating the northern long-eared bat as an endangered species. Officials say that the bat's situation has worsened since it was classified as threatened in 2015.
Here is what scientists are doing to save Florida's coral reef before it's too late
Florida's barrier reef has lost 95 percent of its coral over the last half-century. Researchers, activists and government agencies are working to restore the reefs and ensure their long-term survival.
Australia argues against 'endangered' Barrier Reef status
Australia's environment minister says her government will urge against the U.N. adding the Great Barrier Reef to a list of endangered sites, saying worries are a reflection of the previous government.