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.

Climate Cast

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

After feedback, Xcel changes plan to charge more for electricity during peak hours
Xcel Energy proposed charging variable rates to better reflect the actual cost of delivering electricity during times of peak demand. The utility now says the program will be voluntary for customers who choose to opt in, and the peak rates won’t be as high.
Authorities investigating source of two sheens spotted on Mississippi River
State and local agencies are investigating the source of a substance that left a two-mile long sheen on the Mississippi River on Tuesday between Coon Rapids and Fridley. A second, smaller sheen was detected Wednesday.
On Cross Lake, loons make the case for protecting Minnesota's wild shores
Environmental advocates are tapping into Minnesotans’ passion for loons to focus attention on how lake health and natural shorelines are vital for the survival of Minnesota’s beloved state bird.
Bird flu restrictions cause heartache for 4-H kids unable to show off livestock at fairs across U.S.
States have tightened restrictions on dairy cows following the bird flu outbreak that has spread to millions of poultry flocks nationwide and nearly 200 dairy herds across 13 U.S. states since March. 
10 key data points and graphs about loss of shoreline on Minnesota’s lakes
Inspired by MPR News’ series, “Trouble by the water: Minnesota’s vanishing natural lakeshores?” This supplement goes deeper into the trends and data, including some county- and even lake-level data about Minnesota’s most beloved resource: our beautiful lakes.