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.

Google clears regulatory hurdle to build Minnesota data center
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday OK'd agreements between Google and Xcel Energy to provide electricity for the data center from two dedicated wind farms.
Lawmakers crafting budgets turn to dedicated funds
Some environmental groups say lawmakers are turning with greater frequency to the dedicated Legacy and lottery funds to cover expenses that had, in earlier years, been paid for through more traditional means.
Will scootermania end with a crash?
Big Scooter is worth billions of dollars. Is this a sign we're in another tech bubble?
On Mother's Day in Puerto Rico, hope to visit a mother's grave turns to anguish
The municipal cemetery in Lares, Puerto Rico, has been closed since Hurricane Maria hit. Residents flocked to visit when a portion of the cemetery was opened for Mother's Day, but many were unable to reach their loved ones' graves.
Photos: Spring wildflowers in Minnesota
Each spring brings a symphony of colorful wildflowers to Minnesota's forests, wetlands and prairies. Here's a selection of photos of just a few of the many flowers in bloom so far this spring in Minnesota.
A primer on life jackets: Especially in cold water, they can save your life
Just a few weeks ago, many of Minnesota's lakes and rivers were covered with ice. And wearing a life jacket can make a critical difference in the chances of survival for boaters and anglers who fall overboard into cold water, officials say.
Wildflower watch: Bluebells are blooming in Carley State Park
In the mood for some wildflower sightings this weekend? Here's where Phyllis Root and Kelly Povo, the authors of "Searching for Minnesota's Native Wildflowers," recommend you go.
A new study in the journal Nature finds fish are on the move because of climate change. But which species can adapt, and which will run out of favorable ocean real estate as they reach their thermal limits?
Cargill, Target ask lawmakers to address climate change in final Capitol negotiations
While the corporations' letter to lawmakers doesn't specifically endorse the 100 percent carbon-free electricity policy supported by the DFL-led House but not the GOP-controlled Senate, the companies say reducing carbon emissions will boost growth and competitiveness in the state.