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.

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How bad will this winter be in Minnesota? Could go either way
Farmers' Almanac is predicting one heck of a winter. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is putting out a neutral forecast. And then there’s that blob in the Pacific Ocean that could influence weather patterns.
DNR puts silver carp back into the St. Croix, hoping to learn its ways
State conservation officials say they’ve tagged and released a silver carp into the St. Croix River for the first time as a way to learn more about the invasive creature’s habits and movements.
EPA chief pledges to severely cut back on animal testing of chemicals
Alternative tests are emerging, the agency says, such as computer modeling and tissue studies of cells grown in the lab. Environmental advocates say the move is too quick, and disregards human health.
DNR: New hunting rules aimed at stopping spread of CWD
The new rules are designed to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease in wild deer. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says more hunters in more areas will have to provide a sample of their kill to check for CWD.
Third congressional hearing on ‘forever chemicals’ to focus on corporate accountability
A former Minnesota attorney general and a 3M executive are testifying in Washington Tuesday before a congressional subcommittee about PFAS — a class of chemicals that have contaminated the drinking water of millions of Americans.
Officials urge caution following bear sightings near St. Paul
Reports suggest the animal has been spotted in North Oaks, White Bear Township and Polar Lakes Park, near the Tamarack Nature Center. It was spotted shortly after 6:30 Monday morning.