Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

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.

Frac sand mining fissures exposed at Legislature

Frac sand mining fissures exposed at Legislature

For the past two years, cities and towns in southeastern Minnesota have been grappling with how to regulate frac sand mining. The debate over the issue is also creating some fault lines at the Capitol.
by Tom Scheck

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Xcel Energy mercury emissions reduction a 'remarkable achievement'

Xcel Energy mercury emissions reduction a 'remarkable achievement'

State officials and energy companies announced today that Minnesota is three years ahead of schedule on its goal to reduce mercury emissions. Mercury is a neurotoxin that is especially harmful to children's brain development. The reductions have come about primarily through changes at power plants.
by Sasha Aslanian

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Frac sand mining raises environmental, health concerns in SE Minnesota

Frac sand mining raises environmental, health concerns in SE Minnesota

Minnesota's abundant supply of high-quality frac sand is causing some turmoil. Local governments in southeastern Minnesota are preparing for a number of new permit applications to build or expand mines and processing plants for the special silica sand. Many area residents are concerned about possible environmental or health impacts. Industry representatives say they are addressing the concerns, but some state officials are encouraging caution.
by Stephanie Hemphill

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Legislature hears testimony on frac sand mining

The Minnesota Senate Committee on Environment and Energy and House Committee on Energy Policy will hold a hearing at the state Capitol on to consider testimony on the frac sand mining industry.
by John Marty

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Atmospheric physics of climate change: More blizzards, less snow

Atmospheric physics of climate change: More blizzards, less snow

With scant snowfall and barren ski slopes in parts of the Midwest and Northeast the past couple of years, some scientists have pointed to global warming as the culprit. Then when a whopper of a blizzard smacked the Northeast with more than 2 feet of snow in some places earlier this month, some of the same people again blamed global warming. How can that be?

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Frac sand mining controversy moves to state Capitol

Frac sand mining controversy moves to state Capitol

State lawmakers will hold hearings beginning this week to address the fast-growing frac sand industry and its effect on Minnesota. Although local lawmakers are grappling with how to zone and regulate the industry, rules differ widely throughout the state.
by Elizabeth Baier

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Study: Hummingbirds migrating earlier

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are arriving in North America each spring several weeks earlier than in the past, and research indicates that higher temperatures in their winter habitat may be the reason.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Study: Fish in drug-tainted water suffer reaction

What happens to fish that swim in waters tainted by traces of drugs that people take? When it's an anti-anxiety drug, they become hyper, anti-social and aggressive, a study found. They even get the munchies.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!