Water

Water shortages and problems around Minnesota — and the country — have many wondering what is the true cost of clean and reliable water. This reporting is supported in part by The Water Main, a project of American Public Media.

Budget-cutting fever puts ethanol subsidies at risk
As lawmakers look for places to cut spending, federal support for ethanol could become a tempting target. The U.S. Government Accountability Office says ethanol subsidies cost taxpayers billions of dollars and are not necessary.
Advocates fear Great Lakes restoration in trouble
A Great Lakes environmental fix-up is on shaky ground as President Barack Obama continues scaling back spending proposals and congressional Republicans push for even deeper cuts, supporters said Monday.
Dayton taps conservationist to head Minn. DNR
Gov. Mark Dayton's choice to lead the Minneseota Department of Natural Resources gets high marks from many for his long conservation record. But those in the state's mining industry have questions about the appointment.