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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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Google revealed as tenant for massive Pine Island data center project

Google revealed as tenant for massive Pine Island data center project

The city of Pine Island has revealed that Google is the big tech company behind a proposed large-scale data center, which has been the center of controversy in the small community just north of Rochester.
by Catharine Richert

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Citing increased pressures, Minnesota DNR proposes dropping walleye limit from 6 to 4

Citing increased pressures, Minnesota DNR proposes dropping walleye limit from 6 to 4

The DNR says Minnesota’s iconic state fish is not currently in crisis. But walleye are facing a number of complicating factors that could affect their long-term health, including climate change, invasive species and increased pressure from anglers armed with better gear and technology.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Controversy over data centers in Minnesota leads to calls for statewide moratorium, new regulations

Controversy over data centers in Minnesota leads to calls for statewide moratorium, new regulations

Opponents of the massive projects say the measures the Legislature passed last year aren’t enough to protect communities, residents and the environment from potential negative impacts. They’re calling for a two-year moratorium on new data centers and other restrictions.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Eagan places 1-year pause on new data center developments

Eagan places 1-year pause on new data center developments

The Eagan City Council voted on Tuesday to pause new data center developments for one year to study the impacts of data centers. The moratorium may be the first-of-its-kind in Minnesota.
by Chandra Colvin

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Trump’s EPA revokes scientific finding that underpinned U.S. fight against climate change

Trump’s EPA revokes scientific finding that underpinned U.S. fight against climate change

The Environmental Protection Agency has revoked a key scientific finding that supported U.S. regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. This decision rescinds a 2009 declaration that carbon dioxide and other gases endanger public health.
by The Associated Press

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Trump orders some U.S. coal plants to keep operating. Will Minnesotans foot part of the bill?

Trump orders some U.S. coal plants to keep operating. Will Minnesotans foot part of the bill?

Electricity customers in 15 Midwest states, including Minnesota, might bear the costs of continuing to operate a Michigan coal plant. A week before it was scheduled to shut down, the U.S. Department of Energy ordered it to keep running, citing a possible electricity shortage.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Once considered 'junk,' native rough fish soon could see new catch limits, protections

Once considered 'junk,' native rough fish soon could see new catch limits, protections

For more than a century, native rough fish like redhorse, bowfin and buffalo were lumped in with invasive species like common carp — and not considered worthy of protection or management. But there’s growing respect for the species and concern about a potential population decline. 
by Kirsti Marohn

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Study shows PFAS levels dropping in Great Lakes fish

Study shows PFAS levels dropping in Great Lakes fish

A recent study published in the Journal of Great Lakes Research finds that PFAS levels in fish in all five Great Lakes have declined over the past 20 years, coinciding with an industrial phase-out of some of the so-called “forever chemicals” in consumer products.
by Dan Kraker

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Punxsutawney Phil is said to have seen his shadow, forecasting 6 more weeks of wintry weather

Punxsutawney Phil is said to have seen his shadow, forecasting 6 more weeks of wintry weather

When Phil is said to have seen his shadow upon emergence from a tree stump in rural Pennsylvania, that’s considered a forecast for six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, an early spring is said to be on the way.
by The Associated Press

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Invasive, tree-killing emerald ash borer confirmed in Fargo

Invasive, tree-killing emerald ash borer confirmed in Fargo

The Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive insect responsible for killing millions of trees across the country, has been spotted in Fargo for the first time. In preparation, city officials have been diversifying the kinds of trees planted in the city. They also hope the recent bitter cold temperatures may slow the insects’ spread.
by Noah Bloch

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