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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.

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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.

Well water health risks prompt state action

Well water health risks prompt state action

A contaminant found in well water in three east metro communities could be a bigger health risk than previously thought, leading state officials to install more filters to protect residents' drinking water.
by Elizabeth Dunbar

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Green movement suffers from a lack of other colors

Green movement suffers from a lack of other colors

The broad-based coalitions that gather behind some political issues are absent when environmental causes come into play. Why is that?

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Sigurd Olson exhibit opens in Ely

Sigurd Olson exhibit opens in Ely

Fans of environmentalist Sigurd Olson may find out a bit more about the famed outdoors writer through an exhibit at the International Wolf Center this month.

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Groups opposed to Minn. wolf hunt lose in court

Groups opposed to Minn. wolf hunt lose in court

Groups challenging Minnesota rules for a wolf hunting and trapping season in the state were dealt another blow Wednesday in their effort to stop the practices.
by Tom Robertson

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As bees perish in large numbers, a search for causes and solutions

As bees perish in large numbers, a search for causes and solutions

Across the nation, large numbers of bees -- about one-third of colonies each year -- have been dying for the past six years. Scientists believe the cause is a combination of pesticides, disease and poor nutrition, and some are concerned the annual bee losses are unsustainable. As soon as this year, some warn, there might not be enough bees to pollinate some crops.
by Dan Gunderson

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DNR urges residents to leave aquatic plants

Minnesota residents with lakefront property are being reminded not to clear aquatic vegetation without a permit, because the plants help stabilize the shoreline.

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DNR steps up enforcement on invasive species

As boaters head for the lakes this weekend, the Department of Natural Resources will be watching for violations of aquatic invasive species laws.
by Dan Gunderson

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Duluth trying to cut waste by studying it

The city of Duluth is digging deep into its trash to try to figure out how to make less of it.

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What if the world has an endless supply of oil?

What if the world has an endless supply of oil?

Charles Mann discusses the world's oil sources and argues we could have an infinite supply due to new technology and discovery of new reserves.

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Fire pits get new scrutiny in quest for clean air

Fire pits get new scrutiny in quest for clean air

People who are sensitive to wood smoke have long been concerned about backyard burning, but the growing trend of fire pits and chimineas has now caught the attention of state environmental regulators, who say wood smoke is becoming a bigger contributor to Minnesota's air pollution.
by Elizabeth Dunbar

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