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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.

Sediment from farm runoff poses a threat to Lake Pepin

Sediment from farm runoff poses a threat to Lake Pepin

The upper third of the scenic lake in the Mississippi could be filled in over the next 100 years. An MPCA draft report cites farm runoff as a major cause, but state officials have little leverage to compel changes that could save the lake.
by Stephanie Hemphill

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The fight to protect the 'blue heart' of the planet

The fight to protect the 'blue heart' of the planet

Oceanographer Sylvia Earle has devoted her life to the exploration and protection of the world's oceans. She joins Midmorning to discuss the marine areas that need urgent attention.

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Minnesota anglers adjust to slot limits, better catches

Minnesota anglers adjust to slot limits, better catches

When used with other management tools, slot limits have proven effective in increasing anglers' catch rates and increasing the number of larger walleyes in a population.

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Minn. anglers oppose bill to pump water from river

A bill that's cleared a Minnesota Senate committee would allow water to be pumped from the Poplar River to make snow at Lutsen Mountains ski resort.

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MPCA: Little improvement in Minnesota River basin

A new study says there's been a lack of significant improvement over the past two decades in the health of aquatic life in the Minnesota River basin.

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Early signs good for Minn. loons, experts say

Early signs good for Minn. loons, experts say

The DNR is hearing anecdotal reports that loons are coming back to Minnesota lakes after wintering in the Gulf of Mexico. The BP oil spill had wildlife experts worried about their safe return.

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Around Minnesota: Fishhouse remains; ID debate; Spring planting

Every day, MPR's Minnesota Today team highlights important stories going on throughout the state. Find more statewide news any time at www.minnesotatoday.org

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Xcel, former partner in wind farm project trade lawsuits

In court documents, Xcel says enXco failed to resolve regulatory concerns involving federally protected birds, like the whooping crane and the piping plover which might be harmed by the wind farm.
by Mark Steil

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Plan to replace Stillwater bridge inches forward

Plan to replace Stillwater bridge inches forward

A proposal to bypass federal environmental law to build the bridge was by far the most contentious bill a Congressional subcommittee considered today.
by Brett Neely

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Gray wolves go back to state control in five Northern Rockies states

The Obama administration says it is lifting endangered species act protections for 5,500 wolves in five states in the Northern Rockies.

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