Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now

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.

Daily Digest: School safety proposals aired

Some Minnesota political stories in the news to start your Wednesday.
by Mike Mulcahy

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Renewables now the number two source of power generation in Minnesota

Renewables now the number two source of power generation in Minnesota

Coal made up 39 percent of the energy Minnesota generated inside its borders in 2017. And while nuclear capacity is static, new wind and solar capacity added every year resulted in 25 percent of energy generated within the state.
by Mike Mulcahy and Jo Erickson

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Judge stays 4 lawsuits that seek to block PolyMet land swap

Judge stays 4 lawsuits that seek to block PolyMet land swap

U.S. District Judge Joan Ericksen stayed the lawsuits while Congress considers legislation to force completion of the land exchange between PolyMet and the U.S. Forest Service.
by The Associated Press

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Morris ethanol plant fined for polluting nearby wetlands, rivers

An MPCA investigation found DENCO II's plant violated its permit by failing to adequately monitor, report and correct excessive amounts of organic material, disinfectants and other pollutants.
by Kirsti Marohn

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Dayton updates plan for lowering nitrate levels in water

Dayton updates plan for lowering nitrate levels in water

Gov. Mark Dayton has unveiled a revised measure to reduce elevated nitrate levels in water supplies and ensure more Minnesotans have safe drinking water.
by Associated Press

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
New report predicts rising tides, more flooding

New report predicts rising tides, more flooding

The report, obtained by NPR, shows that so-called "sunny-day flooding" may be a regular occurrence in some areas.
by Christopher Joyce

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Wind projects bring opposition, opportunity to south-central Minn.

Wind projects bring opposition, opportunity to south-central Minn.

The Huntley-Wilmarth line is one of two major wind projects in the planning stages in Faribault County. But opposition to the projects have made it unclear if either will be built.
by Mark Steil

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
State lawmakers question authority to spend 3M dollars

State lawmakers question authority to spend 3M dollars

Some Minnesota legislators are signaling they aren't ready to give up all control over the $850 million 3M will pay the state to settle a lawsuit over water contamination in the east metro.
by Kirsti Marohn

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Could 'smart salting' keep Minnesota roads and waters safe?

Could 'smart salting' keep Minnesota roads and waters safe?

Minnesota lawmakers are introducing a bill this week that'd give legal cover to crews that that use "smart salting" techniques, or using only the recommended amount necessary to melt ice.
by Max Nesterak

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!