Environmental News

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Getting to Green: Minnesota’s energy future

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Smith Foundry faces scrutiny after inspection finds violations, activists pressure state to step in
An iron foundry in south Minneapolis is facing scrutiny after a federal inspection in May found violations of both federal and state pollution regulations. Now, local activists and neighbors are pressuring state and federal regulators to step in.
This is how far behind the world is on controlling planet-warming pollution
Global emissions of greenhouse gases are rising, according to an annual accounting by the United Nations. It warns development of new oil, gas and coal is incompatible with meeting climate targets.
The U.S. has a controversial plan to store carbon dioxide under the nation's forests
A proposed rule change from the US Forest Service would allow storage of carbon dioxide pollution under national forests. The plan comes as communities resist such projects in their areas
Agency combats poverty one energy audit at a time
With winter fast approaching, a nonprofit called MAHUBE-OTWA is working to winterize homes throughout northwest and central Minnesota. The organization was formed in the mid-1960s as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's “War on Poverty” and is still meeting the challenge.
Scientists turn invasive carp into traitors to slow their Great Lakes push
State and federal wildlife agencies have developed a new weapon to slow down invasive carp across the Great Lakes region: traitor fish. Over the last five years, agencies have worked to capture invasive carp in Lake Erie and the Illinois and Mississippi rivers and implant them with transmitters.
Christmas tree growers anticipate healthy demand despite drought challenges
Minnesota’s Christmas tree farms are busier than ever getting ready to sell their harvest to the public. The demand for live trees remains strong despite much of the state suffering repeated droughts during the last several years.  
Minnesota initiative looks to boost production of sustainable aviation fuel
10 percent of U.S. transportation greenhouse gas emissions come from plane travel. But a first-of-its kind initiative is looking to slash those numbers by creating a hub to scale the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).