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.

Duluth rebuilds Lakewalk to — hopefully — withstand future storms
After being battered repeatedly by big storms and waves, the city of Duluth has invested millions of dollars in what it hopes is a bigger and stronger Lakewalk, the popular hiking and biking trail on the shore of Lake Superior. It’s part of an effort to make the city’s shoreline more climate resilient. 
Congress takes aim at climate change in massive relief bill
The huge pandemic relief and spending bill includes billions of dollars to promote clean energy such as wind and solar power. It also calls for a 15-year reduction in the use of potent coolants in air conditioners and refrigerators that are considered a major driver of global warming. 
Contractor at Enbridge Line 3 pipeline site dies in accident
A contractor working on the Enbridge Energy Line 3 pipeline project in northern Minnesota died Friday in an accident. An Enbridge spokesperson said the accident happened at a construction yard in Hill City.
Highlights of $900 billion COVID-19 relief, wrap-up bills
Congressional leaders have hashed out a massive, year-end catchall bill that combines $900 billion in COVID-19 aid with a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending bill and reams of other unfinished legislation on taxes, energy, education and health care. The huge, still-unreleased bill is slated for votes on Monday — with lawmakers having only a few hours to read it before casting their votes.
Researchers find insecticides widespread in Minnesota lakes and rivers
A widely used class of insecticides is found at low levels in Minnesota lakes and streams, according to to research from the University of Minnesota. The potential impact on aquatic life is still to be unraveled.
Biden introduces his climate team, says 'no time to waste'
Just as the United States has needed a unified, national response to COVID-19, it needs one for dealing with climate change, President-elect Joe Biden said Saturday as he rolled out key members of his environmental team.
Minnesota moves ahead with 'clean car' rules
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency plans to publish a draft rule on Monday requiring carmakers to make more zero-emissions vehicles available for sale in the state. The goal is to reduce Minnesota’s greenhouse gas emissions, but auto dealers and some lawmakers argue it will drive up the cost of cars and trucks.
2 former Obama officials are crucial to Biden's sweeping climate plans
The Biden administration will view climate change as an urgent crisis, and two former Obama Cabinet officials from Massachusetts will be key to taking on the challenge.