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.

Outdoor writer Stephanie Pearson's new book is a guide to the country's most iconic hikes
Duluth native and outdoor writer Stephanie Pearson gives MPR News a glimpse into her new book, “100 Hikes of a Lifetime USA,” a culmination of her experiences hiking across the country.
Mining industry group reacts to Senate overturning ban on mining near Boundary Waters
The U.S. Senate voted 50-49 Thursday morning to overturn a ban on mining near the Boundary Waters. The vote is a win for the company Twin Metals, which aims to build an underground copper-nickel mine just south of the boundary waters.
Senate votes 50-49 to overturn mining ban near Boundary Waters
The vote clears the path for Twin Metals to reapply to open an underground copper mine near Ely, just outside the wilderness area. Conservation groups argue mining in the region poses an unacceptable pollution threat.
Turkeys, coyotes and other city critters
Wild animals are thriving in the city. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two researchers about the coyotes, foxes, turkeys and other city critters that have adapted to urban life.
River in the Boundary Waters is again named to list of country’s most endangered waterways
American Rivers says the South Kawishiwi River is threatened by proposed copper mines in the watershed. The clock is ticking on a Congressional effort to reverse a 20-year mining ban in northeast Minnesota.
Clay and other counties consider allowing rifle use for deer season
The state legislature repealed a law last year that banned the use of rifles for deer hunting in most of the state. Now, several counties, including Clay, are weighing whether to allow rifles during deer season.
Ahead of fishing opener, health officials update fish consumption guidelines
The new fish consumption guidelines include warnings about eating too much fish caught in northeastern Minnesota lakes and rivers, where fish tend to have higher mercury levels. And the state warns against consuming fish from the Vermillion River, south of the Twin Cities, because of PFAS contamination.