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.

After Legionnaires’ outbreak, Grand Rapids will consider chlorinating water
The outbreak has now sickened 15 people. Health investigators believe the source is the city’s water distribution system. Grand Rapids does not regularly disinfect its water supply with chlorine, which health officials say can help control Legionella bacteria.
A stingray named Charlotte got pregnant — exactly how remains a mystery
The world is waiting for a stingray to give birth in the small town of Hendersonville, N.C. That's because it's not clear how she got pregnant, as there's no other stingray in the aquarium.
Forecasting a record-breaking winter
Minnesota’s warmest winter on record was literally off the charts in several metrics. Just how unique was this winter? And how is our shifting climate impacting our daily weather forecasts?
Fewer fish and more algae? Scientists seek to understand impacts of historic lack of Great Lakes ice
An unusually warm winter has left the Great Lakes all but devoid of ice and sent scientists scrambling to understand the possible consequences as climate change accelerates.
A bill that would create more transparency in the pet breeding business gains traction at the Capitol
A bill that would create more transparency in the dog and cat breeding business is gaining traction at the Capitol. Lawmakers and advocates say it would address concerns regarding an exemption to 2014 legislation that allowed breeder’s inspection reports to be classified as non-public.
SEC approves rule that requires some companies to publicly report emissions and climate risks
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday approved a rule that will require some public companies to report their greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks.
Proposed natural gas plant in Superior gets renewed scrutiny
A long-planned natural gas power plant in Superior is facing new scrutiny from local officials who originally backed it, at the same time that labor unions and other supporters are ramping up their advocacy for the controversial project.
Rethink your gardening plans with early sprouting
Even though it’s only the first week of March, gardeners across the state are seeing plants of all varieties sprouting. Who better to explain this odd gardening season than our resident Minnesota master gardener, Meg Cowden.