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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.

Climate Curious: Is burning wood for heat carbon neutral?

Climate Curious: Is burning wood for heat carbon neutral?

Many Minnesotans still use wood as either a primary or secondary source of heat for their homes. So, what’s the impact on carbon emissions?
by Elizabeth Dunbar

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Minnesota governor pursuing more electric cars for the state

Minnesota governor pursuing more electric cars for the state

Gov. Tim Walz is on a crusade. He wants to lower carbon emissions from Minnesota's transportation sector, and says his latest plan to adopt California rules for tailpipe emissions could help make a dent, in part by invigorating a lagging market for electric vehicles.
by The Associated Press

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Minnesota DNR finds zebra mussel larvae in Lake of the Woods

Minnesota DNR finds zebra mussel larvae in Lake of the Woods

Zebra mussel larvae have been detected in Lake of the Woods at the northern tip of Minnesota. The DNR says samples from one of three sites contained a substantial number of larvae, which can be a sign that adult zebra mussels are reproducing in the lake.
by The Associated Press

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Changes coming to Minnesota deer opener

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.
by John Enger, Angela Davis and Karen Zamora

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Minnesota, other states pledged to meet Paris climate goals. Can they after U.S. withdraws?

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?
by Paul Huttner and Megan Burks

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DNR reaches goal of 26 deer disposal bins

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.
by The Associated Press and John Enger

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Economists say their expertise can help solve environmental problems

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.

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State hits Water Gremlin over new hazardous waste violations

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.
by Tim Nelson

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Climate Curious: How could the Line 3 oil pipeline affect our climate?

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.
by Elizabeth Dunbar

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DNR rejects petition for lead ammo, tackle ban

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.
by Cody Nelson

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