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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Industry challenges EPA greenhouse gas rules at U.S. Supreme Court
The case focuses on a three-year-old requirement that companies get permits anytime they construct new power plants or modify existing ones that will emit a lot of greenhouse gases. Rhe court's ruling is not expected to threaten EPA's broader strategy to fight global warming.
A study recommended the city instead negotiate an agreement with Xcel to buy greener forms of energy.
Super energy-efficient house a first for Twin Cities Habitat
A new house in north Minneapolis, painted a stark red, is not only built to be green and energy efficient, but it generates its own energy.
Minnesota is rich in water, but our use of it seems less sustainable than it once did. Two state officials talked about water issues with Daily Circuit host Tom Weber.
The so-called "green infrastructure" grant will help the city reduce stormwater runoff from the Lake Superior Zoo parking lot and Chambers Grove Park at Duluth's far southern edge, both of which were extensively damaged by flooding in 2012. A third project will help redevelop a contaminated site near the St. Louis River that once housed a cement plant.
Even in Minnesota, water's under stress
Residential wells, farm practices are threatening a bountiful resource.
Should farmers be forced to change?
Farm practices are a key part of the conversation about groundwater sustainability in Minnesota. Are voluntary efforts enough?
Big rise in irrigation pumping draws DNR attention to Minnesota's 'Bonanza Valley'
A 175 percent increase in irrigation pumping over 25 years has caused the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to single out this west central Minnesota area as one of three places to focus on groundwater management.