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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.

State judge OKs 'clean cars' plan

State judge OKs 'clean cars' plan

A state judge has approved Gov. Tim Walz’s proposed “clean car” rules, giving a boost to the plan designed to increase the number of electric vehicles available to Minnesotans and, in the process, reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. But they’re opposed by Republican legislative leaders, who have proposed a two-year moratorium.
by Dan Kraker

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The search for a better EV battery as customer demand rises

The search for a better EV battery as customer demand rises

The surge in demand for electric vehicles has ignited a new kind of “space race” within the automobile industry.
by Paul Huttner

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Deepening drought holds 'ominous' signs for wildfire threat in the West

Deepening drought holds 'ominous' signs for wildfire threat in the West

After one of the most destructive and extreme wildfire seasons in modern history, residents of California are bracing again. Widening drought is creating conditions even worse than last year.
by Eric Westervelt

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Trash to treasure: Plastics lab a new way to recycle

Trash to treasure: Plastics lab a new way to recycle

A unique new space in Fergus Falls lets artists and entrepreneurs experiment with turning plastic waste into nearly anything they can imagine. County officials hope the space will spark creative ideas — and educate more people about recycling.
by Dan Gunderson

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Nature at its craziest: Trillions of cicadas about to emerge

Nature at its craziest: Trillions of cicadas about to emerge

Trillions of cicadas are about to emerge from 15 U.S. states. Scientists say Brood X (as in 10, not the letter) is one of the biggest for these bugs that come out only once every 17 years.
by The Associated Press

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Trees talk to each other. 'Mother Tree' ecologist hears lessons for people, too

Trees talk to each other. 'Mother Tree' ecologist hears lessons for people, too

Ecologist Suzanne Simard says trees are "social creatures" that communicate with each other in remarkable ways — including warning each other of danger and sharing nutrients at critical times.
by Dave Davies

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A giant organic farm faces criticism that it's harming the environment

A giant organic farm faces criticism that it's harming the environment

A huge organic farm that's backed by the company General Mills is facing accusations that it's doing more environmental harm than good. It shows the difficulties of delivering on green promises.
by Dan Charles

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EPA moves to cut a powerful greenhouse gas

EPA moves to cut a powerful greenhouse gas

The EPA plans to phase out hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, which are used in refrigerators and air conditioners. When HFCs are released into the atmosphere, they are extremely good at trapping heat.
by Rebecca Hersher

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Wyoming backs coal with $1.2M threat to sue other states

Wyoming backs coal with $1.2M threat to sue other states

While most states pursue ways to boost renewable energy, Wyoming is doing the opposite with a new program aimed at propping up the dwindling coal industry by suing other states that block exports of Wyoming coal and cause Wyoming coal-fired power plants to shut down.
by The Associated Press

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Got mud? For coastal cities, humble dirt has become a hot commodity

Got mud? For coastal cities, humble dirt has become a hot commodity

Coastal communities will need massive amounts of mud and dirt to protect their shorelines from rising seas. One federal agency has it — but most is disposed of, instead of reused.
by Lauren Sommer

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