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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Climate Cast

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

March 6, 2023 4:00 AM

U of M, tribal study will look at farming's impact on water in Pineland Sands

Researchers will analyze impacts of farming practices on resources important to Anishinaabe tribes, including wild rice production and freshwater mussel populations.

by Kirsti Marohn

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March 5, 2023 5:00 AM

Minnesota transit agency is testing a new electric bus from Turkey

The shape of things to come in public transportation looks like a big loaf of bread on little wheels, if a new electric bus being tested by the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority is any indication.

by Tim Nelson

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March 5, 2023 4:00 AM

6 scholars explain what a real climate solution is

We asked six climate experts what questions you should ask yourself whenever you come across something claiming to be a "climate solution."

by Julia Simon

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March 5, 2023 2:25 AM

A treaty to protect the world's oceans has been agreed after a decade of talks

For the first time, United Nations members have agreed on a unified treaty to protect biodiversity in the high seas.

by The Associated Press

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March 3, 2023 12:43 PM

'Deja vu all over': Two Harbors fights again over Lighthouse Point development

It’s been twenty years since residents of the small North Shore town waged a battle over a plan to build homes next to its historic lighthouse along the shore of Lake Superior. Some are again raising concerns about a new proposed development.

by Dan Kraker

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March 3, 2023 4:00 AM

Here's why it's hard to clean up toxic waste from the East Palestine train derailment

Nearly two million gallons of wastewater and thousands of cubic yards of contaminated soil have already been removed from the site, with more to go. Every aspect of removal is governed by regulations.

by Becky Sullivan

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March 2, 2023 3:20 PM

Walleye fishing on Mille Lacs to stay open all summer

In recent years, walleye fishing on the popular central Minnesota lake has closed for the first few weeks of July.

by Kirsti Marohn

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March 2, 2023 3:12 PM

Record temperatures and climate change: What's the connection?

Earth’s average temperature is about 1 to 1.5 degree Celsius warmer than pre-industrial times. But averages are made of extremes. So how fast are high temperature records being toppled? What about cold records?

by Paul Huttner and Ngoc Bui

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March 2, 2023 2:33 PM

A bi-paw-tisan effort? Lawmakers pitch pet-specific animal board

A bill at the Minnesota Capitol would set up a new board tasked with dealing with cat and dog-related issues.

by Dana Ferguson

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March 2, 2023 7:09 AM

Midwest could add more ethanol to gasoline under EPA plan

Gasoline with higher blends of ethanol could be sold year-round in eight Midwestern states beginning in 2024 under a rule proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency.

by The Associated Press

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