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.

What a '70s farmers uprising can teach U.S. as it prepares to spend billions on clean energy
A tense, years-long standoff between farmers and crews trying to build a power transmission line through west-central Minnesota offers lessons for energy companies today, as the United States prepares to spend billions on clean energy infrastructure.
St. Louis Park City Council member on climate emergency declarations across MN
The outbreak of tornadoes in December, the major drought in the summer — Minnesota has never seen a weather year like 2021. A St. Louis Park City Council member told host Cathy Wurzer more about why cities across Minnesota are declaring climate emergencies.
Gas stoves leak climate-warming methane even when they're off
A new study finds tiny leaks from loose fittings added up to more emissions than when stoves were in use. The impact on climate change amounts to the same effect as a half-million cars.
Biden administration cancels Twin Metals' leases to mine near BWCA
The action deals a potentially fatal blow to the company’s bid to build an underground mine on the doorstep of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. 
Great Northern Festival celebrates winter culture through art, sport and discussion
Over the next 10 days, the Great Northern Festival’s events will encourage Minnesotans to celebrate winter culture, while especially considering climate change and the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd.
Forest Service slashes BWCA permits to protect wilderness. Some say the cuts go too far
Canoeists eager to take a summer trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness can start making reservations Wednesday. But competition for those permits could be more intense this year after the Forest Service slashed the number of available slots.
State court reverses PolyMet water permit, but sides with company on other issues
The state appeals court has reversed a key permit for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine, sending it back to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for additional analysis of its impacts to groundwater. But in a mixed ruling, the court also sided with PolyMet and the MPCA on several issues.