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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.

What's stopping weed growers from going greener?

What's stopping weed growers from going greener?

The legal cannabis industry is booming. So are greenhouse gas emissions from growers.
by Paul Huttner

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Drought sparks interest in water-saving alternatives to thirsty lawns

Drought sparks interest in water-saving alternatives to thirsty lawns

The University of Minnesota’s turfgrass research team is studying and promoting different types of grass that require less water and chemicals, but still thrive. 
by Kirsti Marohn

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Report: Solar could power 40% of U.S. electricity by 2035

Report: Solar could power 40% of U.S. electricity by 2035

A new federal report say solar energy has the potential to power up to 40 percent of the nation's electricity within 15 years — a 10-fold increase over current solar output. But it would require massive changes in U.S. policy and billions of dollars in federal investment to modernize the nation's electric grid.
by The Associated Press

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Kernza farmers see a market for earth-friendly grain

Kernza farmers see a market for earth-friendly grain

Production of Kernza is growing in Minnesota and a Kernza cereal will be on store shelves starting this week. The perennial grain has been in development for decades and has several environmental benefits.
by Dan Gunderson

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Sheltering inside may not protect you from the dangers of wildfire smoke

Sheltering inside may not protect you from the dangers of wildfire smoke

Tens of millions of Americans are forced to live with wildfire smoke now every year. New research shows that it's more invasive than previously thought, infiltrating homes, schools and offices.
by Nathan Rott

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What are some key decisions in fighting fires?

What are some key decisions in fighting fires?

Thousands of wildfires burn in the U.S. each year, and each one requires firefighters to make many decisions.
by The Associated Press

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Divers identify broken pipeline as source of Gulf oil spill

Divers identify broken pipeline as source of Gulf oil spill

Divers at the site of an ongoing oil spill that appeared in the Gulf of Mexico after Hurricane Ida have identified the apparent source as a one-foot diameter pipeline displaced from a trench on the ocean floor and broken open.
by The Associated Press

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With food scarce amid drought, bear sightings on the rise in Minnesota

With food scarce amid drought, bear sightings on the rise in Minnesota

Due to the drought encompassing much of Minnesota this year, natural food sources are harder to find. Bear sightings have been common across the state, as the opportunistic creatures take advantage of backyard bird feeders and other readily available food sources.
by Kirsti Marohn

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