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U of M study finds lead contamination threatens butterflies
University of Minnesota researchers say they’ve found a correlation between lead levels and smaller wing sizes, which could keep the pollinators from thriving.
Data centers face new regulations, some worry they fall short of protecting water, residents
The largest “hyperscale” data centers can consume millions of gallons of water a year, and use as much electricity as an entire large city. Some environmental and citizen groups who pushed for tougher rules don’t think the bill goes far enough to protect the state’s water supply and consumers.
Northern Minnesota forest recovering from May wildfires, but lakes could suffer for years
The woods are already starting to regenerate in the area scorched by the Camp House Fire near Brimson, Minn. But researchers worry ash and fine sediment washing into lakes and streams could lead to future water quality problems.
Trump administration says it will move to allow mining near Boundary Waters, after Congress pulls back
The Trump administration says it is starting the process to reverse a 20-year mining moratorium on a big swath of federal land adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the day after a similar effort was stripped from a massive budget bill moving through Congress.
Minnesota's clean energy industry fretting about possible rollback of tax credits
The clean energy tax credits have been used to defray the cost to build new solar and wind projects, help consumers install rooftop solar or weatherize their homes and encourage companies to invest in clean energy manufacturing. President Trump has called those policies a “green new scam.”
Duluth EPA lab workers speak out in face of possible federal cuts
Employees of a U.S. EPA lab in Duluth asked for support from the City Council as the Trump administration weighs possible elimination of the facility.