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.

Submit a question or story for Getting to Green here.

Climate Cast

Listen to Climate Cast, the MPR News podcast all about our changing climate and its impact in Minnesota and worldwide.

In MN, enforcement of pollution laws goes on —  with a few exceptions
The state Pollution Control Agency said it’s still requiring industries, farms and other entities with air, water or waste permits to follow state environmental regulations. But it’s also granting leeway in meeting some of those requirements, prompting some environmental groups to call for more transparency.
DNR reviews impacts of farmer’s plan to irrigate cropland in Pineland Sands
Farmer Tim Nolte wants to irrigate about 300 acres to grow hay and other crops, and graze his cattle. But the request has gotten caught up in a larger debate over the conversion of forests to potato fields in the region, which covers Wadena, Cass, Becker and Hubbard counties in north-central Minnesota.
Coronavirus pandemic expected to slow transition to clean energy
The United States is expected to see a decrease in new solar projects for the first time since they’ve been tracked. And what was supposed to be a banner year for wind projects will likely produce more modest growth.
Builder of controversial Keystone XL pipeline says it's moving forward
The final decision to build the project comes after a decade of protests and political reversals in the U.S. Now critics say construction poses a new risk with the coronavirus pandemic.