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.

August 12, 2023 8:48 AM

The years-long journey to save a tiny snail you've never heard of

Researchers in upstate New York are working to rehome some tiny, rare snails. Understanding their decline could help mitigate broader climate changes.

by Tarryn Mento

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August 11, 2023 8:35 AM

Boil water advisory issued for city of Brainerd

A boil water advisory is in effect for the city of Brainerd, Minn., after testing found bacterial contamination in the city water system.

by Andrew Krueger

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August 11, 2023 4:00 AM

Making sure Minnesota gets its share of green energy money

As part of our “Getting to Green” series, the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Pete Wyckoff talks about the amount of federal funding available to accelerate the transition to a clean economy, and his role in making sure Minnesota gets its share of the money

by Dan Kraker

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August 10, 2023 3:44 PM

Rulemaking process underway for new environmental justice areas

A rulemaking process is underway by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for a law passed this year aimed at addressing health inequities in disenfranchised communities.

by Paul Huttner and Ngoc Bui

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August 10, 2023 12:20 PM

More endangered red wolves will be released in the U.S. under a legal settlement

There were only an estimated seven red wolves left in the wild when a coalition of conservation organizations decided to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

by Emily Olson

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August 10, 2023 8:17 AM

As canine flu outbreak subsides, officials ease guidance for Minnesota dog owners

Animal health officials in Minnesota say they think the worst of a canine influenza outbreak may be over — and they’re updating their guidance for dog owners.

by Tim Nelson

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August 10, 2023 5:22 AM

After decades, a tribe's vision for a new marine sanctuary could be coming true

The Biden administration is moving ahead with what could be the largest national marine sanctuary in the continental U.S. A Native American tribe is hoping to be partners in managing it.

by Lauren Sommer

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August 10, 2023 4:00 AM

In California, wildfires are prevented by crews of unlikely firefighters: goats

The four-legged creatures with digestive tracts of steel make easy work of consuming vegetation that typically fuels wildfires.

by Vanessa Romo

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August 8, 2023 5:36 PM

The challenge, and opportunity, of 'getting to green' in Minnesota

While many people are in favor of moving towards a so-called green economy through reducing our dependence on climate change causing fossil fuels, the realities of making that move are complex. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick who works for Fresh Energy, a St. Paul-based clean energy nonprofit, says the transition offers challenges and opportunities.

by Dan Kraker