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

Listen to Climate Cast, the MPR News podcast all about our changing climate and its impact in Minnesota and worldwide.

Creeping Charlie: What it is, how to get rid of it
Creeping Charlie, also called Ground Ivy, thrives in shade and high-moisture environments. The recent heavy rainfall has not helped in that scenario to lessen moisture from soil.
Oil train safety: Who's behind the influence game in Washington
Billions of dollars are riding on how these rules are written, and lobbyists from the railroads, tank car manufacturers and the oil, ethanol and chemical industries have met 13 times since March with officials at the White House and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
Oil train safety: Comments aimed at swaying regulators
With billions of dollars at stake, the railroad, oil, ethanol and chemical industries -- along with their critics-- have been trying to shape the rules to their advantage in a series of meetings with the White House and PHMSA.
Palm oil productions threatens African apes
Palm oil is used in foods like toaster pastries, instant ramen noodles and doughnuts. Palm oil production in Africa is picking up. And the new farms there are threatening great ape populations in West and Central Africa, according to a study published Thursday in the journal Current Biology.
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.