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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Climate Cast

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May 6, 2015 4:12 PM

Minnesota drinking water threatened by nitrates

The Minnesota Department of Health's annual report on drinking water quality warns that nitrate contamination could affect public health. Gov. Mark Dayton called for action.

by Tim Pugmire

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May 5, 2015 5:57 PM

Minnesota Senate bans soaps with plastic microbeads

Under the Senate bill, manufacturers would have several years to phase out the plastic, which has been found in fish. The House passed a different version of the bill.

by Elizabeth Dunbar

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May 5, 2015 12:12 PM

Jennie-O idles 233 in Faribault; first mass Minn. layoff tied to bird flu

The Hormel division says the flu that's ravaged Minnesota turkey flocks leaves fewer birds to process. Layoffs start May 26.

by Mark Steil

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May 4, 2015 12:19 AM

The Daily Digest: Two weeks of session left

Your daily dose of Minnesota politics and policy.

by Brett Neely

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May 1, 2015 4:12 PM

Capitol leaders ready for high-stakes budget poker

Top GOP and DFL lawmakers are deeply divided on a budget deal despite a huge surplus. As a crucial deadline approaches, the specter of a shutdown looms.

by Tom Scheck

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May 1, 2015 11:42 AM

Cities defend water quality measures in finance bill

The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities wants legislative leaders to keep language that puts additional scrutiny on water quality rules.

by Elizabeth Dunbar

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April 30, 2015 2:08 PM

Christmas Lake may require boat decontamination

Now that the state Department of Natural Resources has used chemicals to kill zebra mussels in Christmas Lake, local officials want to keep them out by requiring clean boats.

by Dan Gunderson

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April 30, 2015 10:57 AM

Senators want provisions removed from enviro bill

Thirteen DFL senators sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk Thursday requesting that several controversial policy provisions be taken out of the environment budget bill the Senate passed last week.

by Elizabeth Dunbar

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April 30, 2015 10:45 AM

How climate change affects water quality, sustainability

Renowned water expert Peter Gleick, president and co-founder of the Pacific Institute, has been advocating for water quality and sustainability for more than 25 years.