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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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Choking air from Western fires just won't ease up

Choking air from Western fires just won't ease up

Relief from putrid, dangerous air spewing from massive wildfires across the West won't come until later in the week or beyond, scientists and forecasters say, and the hazy and gunk-filled skies might stick around for even longer.
by The Associated Press

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Hurricane Sally slows, gathering a deluge for the Gulf Coast

Hurricane Sally slows, gathering a deluge for the Gulf Coast

Hurricane Sally, a plodding but powerful storm with winds of 85 mph, crept toward the northern Gulf Coast early Tuesday, with forecasters warning of potentially deadly storm surges, flash floods spurred by up to 2 feet of rain and the possibility of tornadoes.
by The Associated Press

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Relocated Isle Royale wolves form groups, reduce moose herd

Relocated Isle Royale wolves form groups, reduce moose herd

Scientists say gray wolves that were taken to Michigan's Isle Royale National Park to rebuild its nearly extinct population are forming social groups, staking out territory and apparently mating. 
by The Associated Press

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Winds remain a concern as death toll reaches 33 from West Coast fires

Winds remain a concern as death toll reaches 33 from West Coast fires

The thick smoke helped firefighters by blocking the sun and turning the weather cooler as they tried to get a handle on the wildfires. But warnings of low moisture and strong winds that could fan the flames added urgency to the battle.
by The Associated Press

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As wildfires grow more intense, some iconic Western U.S. forests may not come back

As wildfires grow more intense, some iconic Western U.S. forests may not come back

Extreme fires are more likely with climate change, and they're making it harder for some tree species to regenerate. Ecologists say this could transform large areas of Western forest into grassland.
by Michael Elizabeth Sakas

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Longtime climate science denier hired at NOAA

Longtime climate science denier hired at NOAA

David Legates, a professor who has spent much of his career questioning basic tenets of climate science and whose research has been supported by fossil fuel companies, has been hired for a top position at the federal agency that oversees weather and climate forecasting.
by Rebecca Hersher and Joe Palca

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Smoke chokes West Coast as wildfire death toll keeps climbing

Smoke chokes West Coast as wildfire death toll keeps climbing

Wildfire smoke that posed a health hazard to millions choked the West Coast on Saturday as firefighters battled deadly blazes that obliterated some towns and displaced tens of thousands of people.
by The Associated Press

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Photos: Oregon grapples with historic wildfires

Photos: Oregon grapples with historic wildfires

Fires have forced residents from their homes across much of Oregon. Photographers Bradley W. Parks and Jonathan Levinson have been covering the wildfires for Oregon Public Broadcasting.
by Jonathan Levinson and Bradley Parks

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Boundary Waters designated a dark sky sanctuary

Boundary Waters designated a dark sky sanctuary

Late last month the International Dark Sky Association designated the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as a dark sky sanctuary — one of only 13 in the world. It's part of a broader effort to promote the region along the border between northeastern Minnesota and Canada as a mecca for stargazers, and to protect its dark skies. 
by Dan Kraker

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