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.

Xcel Energy hopes charging more for electricity during peak hours will encourage customers to shift energy use
Utilities are turning to so-called “time-of-use” rates to encourage customers to shift some of their energy use away from periods of high demand, when producing and delivering energy is more expensive and often, more polluting.
Study finds Minnesota state bee in tough shape
The first DNA analysis of the rusty patched bumble bee reinforces the precarious state of the endangered species. The data will help bee conservationists determine the best options for protecting and rebuilding the population.
Judge dismisses lawsuit of injured Dakota Access pipeline protester
U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Traynor granted motions to dismiss the 2018 lawsuit by Sophia Wilansky, whose left forearm was injured in the blast from an “explosive munition” or a flashbang during a clash between protesters and law enforcement officers at a blocked highway bridge in November 2016.
‘Farmers are the largest gamblers ever’: Scientists and ag representatives plan for climate uncertainty
University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership Director Heidi Roop met with farming representatives in St. Cloud to talk about the research on future climate conditions in the state and what they mean for agriculture.