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.

How worried should we be about bird flu spreading to humans?
We've been tracking the H5N1 avian flu in the state's poultry flocks. Recently, the virus has made its way into goats and, in other states, cattle. Now in Texas this week, a man contracted bird flu after coming into contact with infected cows.
Deputies were called to a home near Mankato and found that a medium-sized, mixed-breed female dog had been fatally shot on the deck. The dog’s owner and another nearby resident reported finding threatening notes.
Small solutions to the big phosphorus water quality challenge
High levels of phosphorus and nitrogen flow north in the Red River, contributing to increasing algae blooms in Lake Winnipeg. A project in a small northwestern Minnesota town shows the possibilities and challenges of fixing water quality across borders.
New program looking for fosters to help keep domestic violence survivors with their pets
The Minnesota Pet Foster coalition is looking to address a gap in services for survivors of domestic violence by ensuring the safety of their pets too.
High nitrate levels in southeastern Minnesota prompt aid plan at state Capitol
Gov. Tim Walz and state lawmakers are discussing ways to address water with elevated levels of nitrate in southeastern Minnesota. The attention comes following the EPA’s formal request that state agencies address the contamination in eight counties. 
Court gives final approval to 3M ‘forever chemicals’ settlement
A federal judge has approved 3M’s more-than-$10 billion settlement with drinking water suppliers over contamination from so-called “forever chemicals.” The settlement resolves class-action lawsuits.
A government proposal to kill a half-million owls sparks controversy
A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposal to kill some 470,000 owls over 30 years to protect other owl species has prompted conservationists and animal welfare advocates to weigh the consequences.