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.

Submit a question or story for Getting to Green here.

Climate Cast

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

Change could cripple Endangered Species Act, Minnesota science teacher says
The federal government’s decision to alter the definition of the word “harm” under the Endangered Species Act is a “stake through the heart” of the law, St. Cloud science teacher Devon Bowker — a.k.a. Devon the Nature guy — told MPR News.
Cyberattack targets Minnesota cities' water systems
The attack prompted Minnesota IT Services to activate a statewide cybersecurity incident response involving local, state and federal agencies. Authorities did not say whether they know who is responsible for the cyberattack, and did not elaborate on a possible motive.
Officials in Minnesota cities say cyberattacks targeted water systems
The city of Braham said the temporary water system outage “was a result of a malicious cyberattack of computerized operating systems by unknown actors.” The cities of Plymouth and South St. Paul said they were also targeted.
Boundary Waters wildfires bring grief over forest loss, but hope for long-term renewal
Wildfires that officials say will burn into the fall have already scorched more than 70,000 acres, including huge swaths of the wilderness. But experts say fire is needed for a healthy forest.
Residents of northern Minnesota lake community voice skepticism about mining manganese
The mineral is an important component of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, buses and power tools. But the prospect of an underground mine less than 2 miles from downtown Emily has many local residents worried about potential impacts on water, air and their quality of life.
Minnesota offering $1.7M to aid communities hurt by emerald ash borer
Rachael Dvoracek, a community forestry project specialist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, spoke with MPR News about the grants that will focus on removing, treating or replacing trees infested by emerald ash borer.