Environmental News

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

Getting to Green: Minnesota’s energy future

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Once considered 'junk,' native rough fish soon could see new catch limits, protections
For more than a century, native rough fish like redhorse, bowfin and buffalo were lumped in with invasive species like common carp — and not considered worthy of protection or management. But there’s growing respect for the species and concern about a potential population decline. 
Study shows PFAS levels dropping in Great Lakes fish
A recent study published in the Journal of Great Lakes Research finds that PFAS levels in fish in all five Great Lakes have declined over the past 20 years, coinciding with an industrial phase-out of some of the so-called “forever chemicals” in consumer products.
Punxsutawney Phil is said to have seen his shadow, forecasting 6 more weeks of wintry weather
When Phil is said to have seen his shadow upon emergence from a tree stump in rural Pennsylvania, that’s considered a forecast for six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, an early spring is said to be on the way.
 Invasive, tree-killing emerald ash borer confirmed in Fargo
The Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive insect responsible for killing millions of trees across the country, has been spotted in Fargo for the first time. In preparation, city officials have been diversifying the kinds of trees planted in the city. They also hope the recent bitter cold temperatures may slow the insects’ spread.
Bugs, blowdowns last year heighten Minnesota wildfire worries
A wind storm in June damaged more than 11,000 forested acres, mostly in Beltrami County. In a new report, the DNR says the blowdown raises fire risk in that area for the next three to five years.
U.S. House votes to repeal ban on mining near Boundary Waters
The U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to overturn a 20-year ban on mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The vote could pave the way for Twin Metals Minnesota to re-apply for state and federal permits to open a proposed underground copper nickel mine outside Ely. The resolution now heads to the U.S. Senate.
State regulators rule that burning trash and wood can be considered 'carbon-free'
Minnesota's utility regulators ruled Thursday that the burning or trash and wood to generate electricity can be considered "carbon-free" sources of power despite the huge amount of greenhouse gases such waste-to-energy power plants emit.