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

Report: Global warming didn't cause big US drought
Last year's huge drought was a freak of nature that wasn't caused by man-made global warming, a new federal science study finds.
An environmental impact statement will not be required for a proposed extension of the Mountain Iron Minntac mine, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has decided.
Adelie penguins benefitting from climate change, U of M research says
As in most things, even in climate change, there are winners and losers. Emperor penguins in Antarctica are feeling the negative affects of warmer climates, according to research, there some evidence from the University of Minnesota that another penguin species is actually doing better.
St. Paul City Council adopts 50-year plan for Mississippi River development
The St. Paul City Council approved the Great River Passage Master Plan on Wednesday. The 300-page document details how the Mississippi River should be developed over the next 50 years.
U of M arctic expedition aims to document climate change stories
Four educators from Minnesota leave today for a two-and-a-half week arctic expedition in Canada, where they plan to ski and fend off polar bears in between stops in several communities to help schoolchildren document stories about how climate change has affected people's lives.
Frac sand mining: What are the alternatives?
As companies in Wisconsin and Minnesota move ahead with plans to mine frac sand, those drilling for oil and natural gas in other states are asking whether alternatives might someday be cheaper than shipping the sand hundreds of miles.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is encouraging homeowners to complete their open burning now because restrictions will take effect soon after the snow melts.
A Twin Cities ethanol company will pay $136,500 in EPA penalties for deficiencies in its plans for handling of hazardous chemicals related to ethanol production.
The National Weather Service is using flood prediction models to help prevent pollution year-round.
The Fargo Forestry Department says it will begin inspecting firewood at homes around the city next week in an effort to manage the spread of Dutch elm disease.