Environmental News

MPR News is your source for environment news from Minnesota and across the country.

Getting to Green: Minnesota’s energy future

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State regulators launch big Mississippi water monitoring project
State regulators gathered at the Mississippi River on Earth Day to announce a big undertaking: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will test water along all 650 miles of the river within the state’s borders this year.
Sabathani Community Center in south Minneapolis celebrates sustainability projects
On Earth Day, Scott Redd stood with Rep. Ilhan Omar and Sen. Tina Smith in the parking lot of the Sabathani Community Center in south Minneapolis. They were there to celebrate the center — the city’s oldest African American community center — as a leader in sustainability and energy.
Broadband installation the leading cause of underground infrastructure damage
That's according to a brief released last week by North Star Policy Action, an independent research organization. Jake Schwitzer, the executive director of North Star, shared more of the findings and why some are raising concern.
This Earth Day, a scientist shares tips for building climate action into everyday life
University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership Director Heidi Roop published a book called “The Climate Action Handbook” to help people figure out where to start.
Bill seeks to increase electronics recycling in Minnesota, and make it free
A proposed bill would update Minnesota’s 17-year-old electronics waste law to include all e-waste, and make recycling electronics free for all Minnesotans. Supporters say it would help keep electronics out of the waste stream, where they pose an environmental and fire risk and waste valuable materials.
BNSF says it didn't know about asbestos that's killed hundreds in Montana town
BNSF Railway attorneys told Montana the railroad should not be held liable for the lung cancer deaths of two former residents of an asbestos-contaminated Montana town. Libby, Montana, is among the deadliest sites in the federal Superfund pollution program. The estates of the deceased plaintiffs say dust from a rail yard sickened and killed them.