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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Listen to Climate Cast, the MPR News podcast all about our changing climate and its impact in Minnesota and worldwide.

The odd-looking, prehistoric Paddlefish is making a comeback in Minnesota rivers
An odd-looking, prehistoric species of fish appears to be making a comeback in Minnesota. The paddlefish — named for its paddle-shaped snout–is a threatened species here, but now, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeing higher populations of paddlefish.
As data center concerns heat up, Rochester company develops solutions to keep them cool
The power demands of data centers for cooling have raised concerns about whether utilities and the electric grid will be able to keep up. LiquidCool offers a different solution: covering computer components with fluid, then circulating it to remove heat.
A U-turn on EVs? Minnesota lawmakers could be headed that direction in session finale
Hybrid and all-electric vehicle drivers might face a higher surcharge on their annual registration as part of a plan to shore up the state’s road and bridge project fund.
Great Lakes’ at least $7 billion fishing industry may get a reprieve from the great carp invasion after all
Government agencies, advocacy groups and others have long debated how to prevent the fish from reaching the Great Lakes, where scientists say they could out-compete native species for food and habitat in waterways.
U.S. halts cattle imports from Mexico, citing fears of flesh-eating maggot
The New World screwworm is endemic in parts of Latin America and the Caribbean — and its northward spread into Mexico has alarmed U.S. officials. It can kill a full-grown cow in one to two weeks. 
In Duluth, a controversial condo proposal brings out both NIMBYs and YIMBYs 
The Duluth City Council votes Monday on a controversial housing development project. It pits NIMBYs or "Not In My Backyard" opponents against so-called YIMBYs or “Yes In My Backyard,” who advocate for new housing. 
In Crosslake, governor’s fishing opener spotlights lethal impact of lead tackle to Minnesota’s loons
One of the biggest threats loons face is poisoning from swallowing lead sinkers, lures and jigs. Yet efforts to ban lead tackle in Minnesota have repeatedly failed and convincing anglers to voluntarily switch out their lead tackle for non-toxic alternatives has been a slow process.
Tapped out? Dispute with DNR over year-round maple tree taps leaves Grand Marais couple feeling stuck
A small maple syrup operation that has tapped trees on state land outside Grand Marais for 25 years says it may have to close over a lease dispute with the Minnesota DNR. The agency wants the business to remove its tapping equipment from 600 trees at the end of every syrup season.