Environmental News

MPR News is your source for environment news from Minnesota and across the country.

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Investigation of Becker scrap fire begins amid health worries
Officials said the fire at the new Northern Metal Recycling plant is largely contained, after firefighters separated a portion of the vehicle pile and let it burn out, creating a fire break. But the debris continued to smolder Thursday, sending a diminished but still visible plume into the clear winter sky.
Home renovators reap rewards of reuse, recycling
Hundreds of thousands of tons of construction and demolition waste — much of it from home tear-downs and remodeling jobs — end up in landfills every year. But some homeowners are learning it's environmentally and financially rewarding when those materials are reused or recycled.
Superior refinery evacuated amid concerns that tower might fall
Workers at the Husky Energy oil refinery in Superior, Wis., were evacuated Thursday because of concerns a tower at the facility might fall. Superior police said there is no threat to public safety.
Cleanup of crude oil continued Thursday at the scene of a train derailment in Ontario near the Rainy River, just across the border from Minnesota. Railway officials said the oil had been contained on-site.
Becker recycling plant fire burns for 3rd day
Firefighters are battling a stubborn fire at a metal recycling plant for a third consecutive day. The fire at the Northern Metal Recycling plant in Becker is unleashing noxious, billowing smoke.
Rural lawmakers push back against 'clean cars' proposal
The Walz plan would create a rule managed by the state Pollution Control Agency designed to make more low- and zero-emission vehicles available for sale in Minnesota. But rural Republican state senators say the proposal should have gone through the Legislature instead of an agency rule-making process.
Fire in Becker scrap metal yard continues to send smoke over a wide area
After 40 hours battling a blaze in a scrap metal yard, fire crews in Becker, Minn. are changing tactics that they expect will create even more intense smoke conditions, as the fire is expected to burn for several more days.
Lead-free program for MN loons gets green light
A Senate committee has cleared the way for Minnesota to receive federal funding to help the state's loons.
How warming winters are affecting everything
Winters are warming faster than summers in many places, and colder parts of the U.S. are warming faster than hotter ones. The warming winter climate has year-round consequences across the country.