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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BNSF says it didn't know about asbestos that's killed hundreds in Montana town
BNSF Railway attorneys told Montana the railroad should not be held liable for the lung cancer deaths of two former residents of an asbestos-contaminated Montana town. Libby, Montana, is among the deadliest sites in the federal Superfund pollution program. The estates of the deceased plaintiffs say dust from a rail yard sickened and killed them.
From crisis to care: How animal hoarding is straining Minnesota shelters and spotlighting mental health
As animal hoarding cases surge in Minnesota, rescue shelters and volunteers rally to provide care, sparking conversations on mental health challenges.
EPA designates 2 forever chemicals as hazardous substances, eligible for Superfund cleanup
The Environmental Protection Agency has designated two forever chemicals used in cookware, carpets and firefighting foams as hazardous substances. Friday’s action is intended to ensure quicker cleanup of the toxic compounds and require those responsible for contamination to pay for its removal.
Expert: Large scale PFAS removal will take ingenuity, deep pockets
University of Minnesota Environmental Health Sciences Professor Matt Simcik and All Things Considered Host Tom Crann, discussed the new federal limits on PFAS chemicals in drinking water.
St. Paul iron foundry faces deadline to fix pollution
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says recent emission records from Northern Iron and Machine Foundry in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood indicate excessive pollution. Regulators say it is “highly likely” that the foundry is emitting levels of lead and particulate matter over federal air quality standards. 
Coral reefs can't keep up with climate change. So scientists are speeding up evolution
Climate change is heating oceans faster than the world's coral reefs can handle. So scientists are breeding corals that can withstand hotter temperatures — but only to a point.
St. Paul City Council votes unanimously to boost EV-readiness
The St. Paul City Council unanimously passed a zoning proposal Wednesday that aims to prepare new surface parking lots for a future with more electric vehicles. The proposal says new surface parking lots with more than 15 spots would have to be EV capable.