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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Woodbury takes on 'biggest capital project' ever: Rebuilding water treatment facilities after PFAS contamination
The Minnesota Department of Health issued new guidance this week, reducing the threshold for some PFAS’ presence in drinking water, after more research uncovered the harmful “forever chemicals” can cause health problems at a much lower level.
When it comes to climate warming, cow burps are no joke
Animal agriculture is the largest source of the climate-warming gas methane in Minnesota. Researchers are looking for ways to reduce methane at the source — a cow’s stomach. The science is promising, but a quick solution is unlikely.
Minnesota ice season will be one for the record books
A January cold snap has created new ice on Minnesota lakes after record December warmth created open water on lakes across the state. The shortened ice season fits a long-term trend toward fewer days of frozen lakes across the state.
Getting to Green: One home at a time  
A greener home reduces carbon emissions and can cut energy bills. But how do you get there? MPR News correspondents Dan Kraker and Kirsti Marohn guest host the second of three shows focused on the climate crisis and Minnesota’s energy future.  
Minnesota finds increased health risk from ‘forever chemicals’
The Minnesota Department of Health has lowered the levels at which perfluorinated chemicals in drinking water pose a health risk. Officials said new research shows there is increased health risks from what are known as “forever chemicals.”
Getting to Green in Minnesota
The climate crisis means we all need to think in new ways about how we heat our homes, get around and a whole lot more. MPR News correspondents Dan Kraker and Kirsti Marohn guest host the first of three shows focused on what the energy transition could look like in Minnesota.
Report shows gain in Minnesota's wetland acres
Wetlands play a key role in improving water quality, storing floodwater, preventing erosion and providing habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. The recent gains are tiny compared to Minnesota’s historical wetland losses.