MPCA: 3M improperly stored hazardous waste at Cottage Grove facility
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency announced an enforcement agreement with 3M following a two-year investigation that found hazardous waste was improperly stored and disposed of at the Cottage Grove facility.
1st large-scale, offshore wind project that could power 400K homes approved
The 800-megawatt Vineyard Wind project, south of Martha’s Vineyard near Cape Cod, would be the first utility-scale wind power development in federal waters.
Un-Frog-getable: What happened to Minnesota’s deformed frogs?
A discovery of deformed frogs by some Minnesota New Country School students in the 90s set off a media whirlwind. But did scientists ever figure out what happened to the frogs?
EPA proposes phaseout of greenhouse gas coolants used in refrigerators, air conditioners
In the first Biden administration rule aimed at combating climate change, the Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to phase down production and use of hydrofluorocarbons, highly potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigerators and air conditioners.
Red Flag Warning issued for central, western Minnesota
With extreme fire risk conditions across the central, northwest and western parts of the state Saturday, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for several Minnesota counties.
Minnesota Supreme Court orders new hearing in PolyMet mine dispute
The Minnesota Supreme Court gave a victory to environmentalists Wednesday in the long-running battle over the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota, sending the dispute back to the state Department of Natural Resources for further proceedings on whether the mine’s waste pond would effectively keep pollution contained.
Environmentalist clean up in Twin Cities for 'Earth Weekend'
Thursday was Earth Day, but in the Twin Cities, environmentalists are marking earth weekend.
Dalai Lama, 100 other Nobel Prize winners call on world leaders to phase out fossil fuels
The Dalai Lama and 100 other Nobel Prize laureates urged world leaders in an open letter to end the expansion of coal, oil and gas production in an effort to tackle the climate crisis.
Biden will pledge to cut US greenhouse gas emissions by at least half by 2030 at virtual climate summit
President Joe Biden will pledge to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at least in half by 2030 as he convenes a virtual climate summit with 40 world leaders.
US, China agree to combat climate change with 'urgency'
The United States and China, the world’s two biggest carbon polluters, have agreed to cooperate with other countries to curb climate change.
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland establishes climate change task force, revokes several Trump-era orders
U.S. Dept. of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland established a task force this week to prioritize action on climate change. Her order also revoked several Trump-era orders that she said did not align with the department’s mission.
Lyrid meteor shower to light up night sky in April — here’s how to watch
Calling all stargazers: The first major meteor shower of the year — the Lyrids — will occur in mid-April and is expected to light up the evening sky with a dazzling display.
Google Earth’s new ‘Timelapse’ feature shows 4 decades of climate change
From the changing forests in Oregon to the evolving glaciers in Greenland, a new feature on Google Earth illustrates nearly four decades of climate change from endless vantage points.
Google Earth adds time-lapse video to depict climate change
The Google Earth app is adding a new video feature that draws upon nearly four decades of satellite imagery to vividly illustrate how climate change has affected the world.
Xcel Energy to build largest solar energy project in Minnesota
Xcel Energy has proposed to build Minnesota’s largest solar energy project near the Sherco power plant in Becker, Minnesota, the company announced Tuesday.
‘Average’ Atlantic hurricane season will bring more storms, 2021 no exception
After 2020’s record-breaking hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean, it would be nice to catch a weather break in 2021 — but hurricane activity is showing no signs of slowing down.
‘Uncharted territory’: Atmospheric CO2 hits highest concentration ever recorded
The changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic caused emissions to drop by about 7% in 2020 compared to 2019, but the drop was too small and too short in duration to show up as a significant deviation to the upward trend of CO2.
Eden Prairie residents fear housing development will threaten popular spring
For generations, families have been flocking to the Fredrick-Miller spring in Eden Prairie to get their drinking water. Now, the city is considering a proposed housing development in that area.
Environmental concerns mount as millions of gallons of wastewater head towards Tampa Bay
Wildlife advocates say they’re worried about a chain reaction coming for marine life, and they said they fear their hard work to restore the bay’s quality and what lives there will be shattered.
Volcanic eruptions in Italy, Iceland and Guatemala spew lava, draw crowds
Since February and March, three volcanoes in three separate countries have released lava, including the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland, Mount Etna in Italy and Pacaya in Guatemala.