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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.

'Snapshot Serengeti' taps citizen scientists to track wildlife

'Snapshot Serengeti' taps citizen scientists to track wildlife

Snapshot Serengeti's citizen scientists have cataloged millions of photos for researchers.

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At Sherburne refuge, Herefords help with upkeep

At Sherburne refuge, Herefords help with upkeep

Big appetites and sharp hooves of the 250-head herd that started grazing segments of 1,300 fenced-off acres within Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in mid-May are making fast work of what would otherwise require considerable manpower and money -- not to mention fire, fuel, chemicals and mowers.

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Ag Dept. seeks input on cutting nitrate levels in well water

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is asking for public comment on a plan to reduce unsafe nitrate levels in drinking water. Much of the nitrate load comes from agricultural fertilizers.
by Mark Steil

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Lake Mary latest for zebra mussel infestation

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is adding Lake Mary in Douglas County to the list of zebra mussel-infested waters in the state.
by Jon Collins

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Not a car or bicycle, but a blend: an ELF vehicle

Not a car or bicycle, but a blend: an ELF vehicle

The ELF bike is a cross between a bicycle and a car, the closest thing yet to Fred Flintstone's footmobile, only with solar panels and a futuristic shape.

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How is your energy use changing?

Many cities and counties are finding sources of alternative energy or are using creative solutions to use less energy. We want to hear from individuals who are also taking an unusual or innovative approach to use less or alternative sources of energy. Please share your insights here.

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Warming waters lead to cannibalistic lobsters

Warming waters lead to cannibalistic lobsters

Species are not evolving fast enough to cope with climate change, according to a new study from the University of Arizona in Tucson.

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Farmers hope spindly weed is a biofuel gusher

Farmers hope spindly weed is a biofuel gusher

The spindly camelina plant looks more like a weed than a crop, but scientists are hoping it will be a whiz at producing oil for biodiesel fuel.
by Stephanie Hemphill

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Aspen Ideas Festival: Fear and hope about climate change

Aspen Ideas Festival: Fear and hope about climate change

Engineer Hal Harvey talks about the human contribution to climate change and the global technological and behavioral solutions that may help to avert it.

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