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.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says even with an 11 percent reduction in funding, it will be able to make progress on key issues under Gov. Mark Dayton's budget proposal.
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.
The state of Minnesota is allowing more time for public comment on a revised permit for a wastewater treatment plant at 3M's plant in Cottage Grove.
Record prices boost Minn.'s copper-nickel projects
Copper set new records earlier this year and continues trading near record highs of over $4.40 a pound, pushing cash into northeast Minnesota's developing copper-nickel projects.
New DNR commissioner on land, water, wildlife controversies
How does the DNR balance environmental quality with jobs and economic development? Will Minnesota's land, water and wildlife be of top quality for future generations?
Ethanol gets a victory with approval of E15 blend
Nearly two-thirds of drivers could have more corn-based ethanol in their fuel tanks under an Environmental Protection Agency decision Friday.
An audit by the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy finds weaknesses in some water clean-up projects paid for with money from the outdoors legacy amendment.
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.