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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Hunting ways to keep synthetic estrogens out of rivers and seas
Hormones from medical treatments wind up in wastewater, and that can be a problem. Some scientists think a version of hydrogen peroxide could be part of the solution.
Battle over new oil train standards pits safety against cost
Against the backdrop of several fiery derailments, safety advocates are questioning whether new federal rules meant to prevent incidents go far enough. Opponents say the new rules are too costly.
Minnesotans embrace Pope Francis' statement on climate change
Pope Francis called for people to reduce waste, switch to cleaner forms of energy and redefine progress and development. Minnesota Catholics say the challenge will be converting his words to action.
Pope urges revolution to save Earth, fix 'perverse' economy
In a sweeping manifesto, Pope Francis blames the science of global warming on an unfair, fossil fuel-based industrial model that he says harms the poor most.
'What is an encyclical?' and more questions about the Pope's environmental teaching
Pope Francis released his much-anticipated teaching document on the environment Thursday, declaring an urgent need for the political and spiritual conversion of global leaders and individuals to dedicate themselves to curbing climate change and ending policies and personal habits that destroy creation.
Solar, wind backers feel burned after MN lawmakers OK new 'grid fee'
A provision tucked into last week's jobs and energy bill lets Minnesota municipal utilities charge more to customers producing their own solar or wind energy.
Three environmental groups want a court to order the DNR to conduct an environmental impact statement of the proposed expansion of Northshore Mining's Peter Mitchell pit.
NASA satellites show world's thirst for groundwater
Many of the world's biggest aquifers are being sucked dry at a rate far greater than they are being replenished.
Climate change educator: School classrooms must catch up with science
The growing scientific knowledge on climate change needs to make its way to classrooms, the federal government's coordinator on climate change education told Minnesota teachers this week.