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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Quest to save groundwater aims at love for lush, green lawns
Lawn watering is one of the biggest uses of groundwater in Minnesota, but a combination of technology, pricing and attitude change suggests that residents may be starting to change their behavior.
9 summertime gardening tips of the trade
Green-thumbed gurus answer questions and offer advice for Minnesota gardeners.
11 ways to use less water on your lawn
Minnesotans are becoming more aware of the pressure on the state's groundwater resources. Here are 11 ways to use less water on your lawn.
Crop switch could cost millions in water contamination
A University of Minnesota study says a recent switch from grassland to crops in southeastern Minnesota could increase the number of household wells contaminated with nitrates.
Rainy June a setback for many of Minnesota's birds
The rain has led to more black flies and a shortened nesting season for many of the state's birds.
Businesses want voice in Mississippi River regulations
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking input on how to regulate development along the 72-mile Mississippi River corridor in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
State officials promise tougher approach on nitrates contaminating groundwater
Minnesotans are spending millions of dollars to deal with nitrate contamination in their water, and the state agriculture department says it's time to insist that farmers do more to prevent the problem.
The agency will use the data to help with watershed restoration projects, and to prevent some streams and rivers from becoming worse, said Steve Mikkelson, a public information officer for the agency.