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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.

Promises, promises: Obama and climate change

Promises, promises: Obama and climate change

Slowing the buildup of greenhouse gases responsible for warming the planet is one of the biggest challenges the United States and President Barack Obama face. The industries that create those gasses have powerful protectors in both parties in Congress.

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Wisconsin Sen. Vinehout proposes legislation to control frac sand mining

Wisconsin Sen. Vinehout proposes legislation to control frac sand mining

Wisconsin Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma, recently proposed legislation to control frac sand mining in her state.

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Long winter takes toll on rare Wis. owls

Scientists say the long winter hasn't been easy on owls in Wisconsin, including three rare species that have migrated from the boreal forest north of the U.S. border.

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Is the sky the limit for wind power?

Is the sky the limit for wind power?

Wind power is growing faster than ever -- almost half of the new sources of electricity added to the U.S. power grid last year were wind farms.

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Lacking diversity, Isle Royale wolves failing to breed

Scientists who study wolves at Isle Royale National Park say no new wolf pups were born last year, and the population is dwindling.
by Matt Sepic

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Lions, tigers have 100 years left in the wild, says biodiversity expert

Lions, tigers have 100 years left in the wild, says biodiversity expert

Biodiversity expert Thomas Lovejoy says that if trends continue, lions and tigers will no longer live in the wild and will be confined to zoos and wildlife areas a century from now.

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Iron Range's copper-nickel mining poses opportunity and possible threat

Iron Range's copper-nickel mining poses opportunity and possible threat

After more than a century in which iron mining has played a central role in the economy and culture of northeastern Minnesota, a new kind of mining is poised to join the taconite industry.
by Dan Kraker

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No pups born to Isle Royale wolves

No pups born to Isle Royale wolves

Scientists say the gray wolves in Michigan's Isle Royale National Park are in growing danger of extinction and may have stopped reproducing.

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Debate continues on frac sand mining's health, environmental impact

Debate continues on frac sand mining's health, environmental impact

As fracking becomes a more contentious issue, so does the increasing demand for silica sand mining in Minnesota. What are the health and environmental concerns surrounding the mining practice?

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