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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.

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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.

Amid rush to Minn. lakes, calls to require boater education get louder

Amid rush to Minn. lakes, calls to require boater education get louder

A sharp interest in boating during the COVID-19 pandemic and growing concern over safety and environmental impacts have led to calls for a required education course for adults to operate a boat in Minnesota.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Study finds Western megadrought is the worst in 1,200 years

Study finds Western megadrought is the worst in 1,200 years

In tree ring records dating back to 800 A.D., the only multidecade drought that came close to today's was in the 1500s. Researchers say climate change is a factor and the U.S. must plan for less water.
by Nathan Rott

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Bills would ban ‘forever chemicals’ from cosmetics, cookware, ski wax

Bills would ban ‘forever chemicals’ from cosmetics, cookware, ski wax

After the Minnesota Legislature passed a ban on so-called “forever chemicals” in food packaging last year, a DFL lawmaker wants to extend the ban on PFAS to more consumer products. But the bills face opposition from industry groups and chemical manufacturers.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Scientists seek funding to look for toxic tire chemical in Minnesota waters

Scientists seek funding to look for toxic tire chemical in Minnesota waters

Minnesota scientists are seeking funding to investigate if a toxic chemical from tires is harming popular fish species. Researchers in Washington state have linked the recently discovered chemical in rubber tires to the sudden deaths of coho salmon.
by Dan Gunderson

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A satellite finds massive methane leaks from gas pipelines

A satellite finds massive methane leaks from gas pipelines

A satellite has detected massive leaks of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, from natural gas plants and pipelines. Most of these releases are deliberate, resulting from sloppy pipeline repairs.
by Dan Charles

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How important is a Twin Metals mine to supply critical minerals?

How important is a Twin Metals mine to supply critical minerals?

The announcement last week from the Biden administration to cancel federal mineral leases next to the Boundary Waters was a major victory for the environmental groups and area businesses fighting to protect the wilderness. But it also raised larger questions about how to obtain the metals needed to transition to a carbon-free future. 
by Dan Kraker

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