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.

Prepare for another summer of air quality alerts, but less than 2023
Minnesotans can expect more air quality alerts than usual this summer, but probably won’t have to hide out from the wildfire haze as much as last year, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
A U of M scientist is using leaf glow to better track climate change
Professor Rui Cheng is behind the research. She says leaf glow offers a more direct and accurate way to understand the effects of climate change on ecosystems in the Arctic and boreal regions, which are experiencing some of the fastest rates of temperature warming in the world.
Sandhill crane shot and killed in central Minnesota. DNR seeking tips
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking tips and information on a shooting of a sandhill crane from a roadway northeast of Clarissa in Todd County.
Why wonky building codes could be key in reducing state’s climate impact
Building codes set minimum safety requirements for how new homes should be designed and constructed. But they can also be an important behind-the-scenes tool to fight climate change.
Duluth electric utility owner Allete sold for $6.2 billion
The parent company of Duluth-based utility Minnesota Power will go private after a $6.2 billion sale, which the company said was needed to help fund its green energy transition.
Largest-ever marine reptile found with help from an 11-year-old girl
A father and daughter discovered fossil remnants of a giant ichthyosaur that scientists say may have been the largest-known marine reptile to ever swim the seas.
RD Offutt Farms sues White Earth Nation over water permits
In a lawsuit filed Friday, RD Offutt farms asked a federal judge to issue a judgment that the White Earth Nation does not have the authority to regulate potato farmers’ groundwater use. RDO is challenging a White Earth ordinance requiring growers to get a tribal irrigation permit.