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.

Environmental cleanup of St. Louis River nears completion
The St. Louis River where it flows into Lake Superior was heavily polluted for decades by a legacy of historic industrial pollution. Now Minnesota is on the cusp of completing the river’s environmental transformation.
Judge halts construction of Pine Island’s hyperscale data center
The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy sued developer Ryan Cos. and the city of Pine Island, arguing that the environmental review of the data center known as “Project Skyway” was inadequate. A judge agree to temporarily halt construction until the case is decided.
Minnesota lawmakers agree to study possibility of building new nuclear plants
Supporters hope it's the first step toward lifting the state's 32-year-old moratorium on new nuclear plants in the state. They say Minnesota needs nuclear energy to help meet its goal of carbon-free electricity.
U of M researchers to study how forward-facing sonar could affect Minnesota fish
Also known as forward-facing sonar, the technology lets anglers spot and track fish in real time. A team of researchers will study whether live-imaging sonar changes catch rates and what the long-term effects could be for fish populations in Minnesota lakes.
A guide to converting your lawn into a wildlife friendly garden 
Turning your grass into a garden isn't as complicated as you think, but it will take time and effort. This step-by-step guide breaks down the process, from killing your lawn to picking plants to grow.
Pup-date from Ridglan beagle foster mom ahead of dog's adoption day
Tristan Keene has been caring for a beagle she calls Theo and says she’s surprised with how well he’s adjusting to his own firsts: touching grass, being on a bed and playing with a toy.
Leave it to beavers! How these rodents damn wildfires
Man-made firebreaks, like dozer lines created by heavy machinery and hand lines dug by firefighters, help stop flames from spreading — but so do natural barriers like beaver ponds.