Environmental News

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

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Thousands of hunters are expected to head to the woods Saturday for Minnesota’s deer opener. In areas where chronic wasting disease has been found in wild deer, the state is launching a new dumpster program for the disposal of carcasses.
Minnesota, other states pledged to meet Paris climate goals. Can they after U.S. withdraws?
It was largely expected that President Donald Trump would pull out of the Paris climate agreement. But how does his move and other policies translate into actual greenhouse gas emissions trends in the United States?
DNR reaches goal of 26 deer disposal bins
Wildlife managers have reached their goal making 26 dumpsters available parts of in southeastern and north-central Minnesota for hunters to safely dispose of deer carcasses.
Economists say their expertise can help solve environmental problems
Three economics professors at Minnesota colleges share their expertise in considering environmental costs, benefits, incentives and regulations.
State hits Water Gremlin over new hazardous waste violations
The maker of lead-based products has let the chemical TCE and used motor oil leak into soils under its White Bear Township building, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says. Other state regulators shut the plant last week over lead contamination concerns.
Climate Curious: How could the Line 3 oil pipeline affect our climate?
Minnesota regulators required a detailed analysis of emissions resulting from building the pipeline and burning the oil that it would carry over the next several decades.
DNR rejects petition for lead ammo, tackle ban
Conservation and environmental groups pushed the DNR for a ban due to the lead’s threat as a toxin for humans and wildlife. But the agency said the proposed rules were too broad and didn’t come with enough data to prove they’d be successful and necessary.
Fargo scientists search for next generation of plant-based plastics
A national collaboration of scientists from four universities is breaking new ground in the search for plant-based plastic to replace petroleum-based materials.
Loving the planet to death
In the age of climate change, travel has become an ethical conundrum. How do we see the world – or even get to work – without ruining the planet?
Searching for solid ice as scientists freeze in to study a warming arctic
A ship of researchers is crossing the Arctic for a year attached to an ice floe. But finding the right chunk of sea ice was a challenge, in part because warmer temperatures are making it thinner.