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.

States challenge EPA rule to protect tribal treaty rights
A recently finalized federal rule would require states to consider tribal treaty rights when setting state water quality standards. A dozen states are suing to overturn the rule, claiming Environmental Protection Agency over reach.
Program provides free water test kits for private well users in southeastern Minnesota
Private well users can receive free water test kits to check for contamination with the option to apply for financial assistance in fixing any contamination. This can include installing water treatment equipment, fixing wells or sometimes even installing a new well. 
Referendum set for South Dakota voters on controversial carbon dioxide pipeline law
A statewide referendum vote is set in South Dakota for the Nov. 5 general election on a so-called “landowner bill of rights” related to a controversial carbon dioxide pipeline project proposed for the Midwest.
Marathon Oil reaches $241 million settlement with EPA for environmental violations in North Dakota
The federal government announced a $241.5 million settlement with Marathon Oil on Thursday for alleged air quality violations at the company’s oil and gas operations in the Forth Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota.
Animal Humane Society policy changes raise concerns of an increase in feral cat populations
The nonprofit organization Animal Humane Society will no longer be providing free Trap-Neuter-Return spay and neuter services. The new change could create hardship for individuals and organizations that aid in maintaining the feral, or “community” cat populations.  
Sheepish solar symbiosis: Two very different industries work together on the green energy transition
New players are entering the field to help with the green energy transition by literally chowing down on the fields. It’s through the growing collaboration between solar developers and sheep farmers.