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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December 21, 2023 4:00 AM

How a utility company fought to keep two Colorado towns hooked on fossil fuels

Environmental advocates worry natural gas providers are using customer dollars to block local action on climate change. Colorado is one of a handful of states trying to limit the practice.

by Sam Brasch

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December 20, 2023 8:10 PM

Walz family welcomes a new member, Honey the cat

Gov. Tim Walz adopts new cat Honey in the aftermath of missing first feline Afton.

by Sam Stroozas

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December 20, 2023 3:37 PM

Cougar struck, killed in Minneapolis will live on in new park display

The cougar that traversed Minneapolis neighborhoods before being struck and killed on a freeway earlier this month will live on — in a new park educational display.

by Andrew Krueger

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December 19, 2023 3:43 AM

A volcano in Iceland erupts weeks after thousands were evacuated from a nearby town

Police evacuated Grindavik in November after strong seismic activity in the area damaged homes and raised fears of an imminent eruption. Officials said magma could continue in that direction.

by The Associated Press

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December 18, 2023 1:13 PM

Court upholds air permit for proposed NewRange Copper Nickel mine

The Minnesota Court of Appeals Monday upheld a key air permit for the proposed mine formerly known as PolyMet, but several other key permits have either been revoked or sent back to state agencies for additional work.

by Dan Kraker

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December 18, 2023 10:00 AM

Everything you need to know about houseplants from two Minnesota experts

There’s nothing like a bit of green indoors to get us through a Minnesota winter. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about why plants bring us joy and how to keep yours healthy as we head into the new year.

by Angela Davis and Maja Beckstrom

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December 18, 2023 4:51 AM

People are leaving some neighborhoods because of floods, a new study finds

There are hundreds of U.S. neighborhoods where the population is declining due to flood risk, a new study suggests. Climate change drives flooding from heavy rain and sea level rise.

by Rebecca Hersher

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December 18, 2023 4:00 AM

Wisconsin researchers find efficient way to extract ammonia from livestock manure

University of Wisconsin researchers say the discovery has the potential to significantly reduce air emissions and water pollution from manure that’s applied to farm fields.

by Dan Gunderson

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December 16, 2023 4:00 AM

Calling all volunteers: Minnesota DNR has a job for you

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is looking for new ways to engage volunteers who serve a critical role in a range of outdoor programs.

by Dan Gunderson

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December 15, 2023 4:11 PM

Cats play fetch, too — as long as they're in control, a study finds

A new study showed that cats fetched objects instinctively, in the absence of overt training. Fetching is defined as when the animal retrieves an object that's thrown.

by Diba Mohtasham

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