Biden administration imposes 20-year mining moratorium in watershed of BWCA
The moratorium will bar Twin Metals from constructing a proposed copper, cobalt and nickel mine.
Environment
Q&A: Michael Noble departs Fresh Energy with optimism for future of climate policy
Noble and Fresh Energy played a significant role in the passing of the 2007 Next Generation Energy Act, signed by Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty, landmark climate legislation that required Minnesota to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent between 2005 and 2050.
GOP takeover of U.S. House roils efforts to stop Twin Metals mine
Permanent federal protection of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is likely now out of reach and the new GOP House of Representatives will try to ease federal rules for the mine permitting process.
Climate solutions for Great Lakes power grid include better planning, transmission
Advocates say electric grid operators need to update their planning process to better prepare for extreme weather that’s becoming more common, and that more transmission lines can help lessen risk.
As flooding increases, Chicago looks to make basement housing safer
Chicago has experienced more frequent and severe storms in recent decades, putting immigrants and low income Chicagoans living in basement units at increased risk of flooding.
5 Greater Minnesota storylines to watch at the Legislature in 2023
From Greater Minnesota’s diminished clout in a DFL-controlled Legislature to how leaders handle agriculture issues, it’ll be an interesting year.
Minnesota Democrats hope to sharply limit the deer farm industry in push to fight CWD
While Republicans in the past have protected the cervid farms, Democrats now have the upper hand in an emotional debate over the existence of the businesses — and their potential impact on Minnesota’s lucrative wild hunting industry.
Will Minnesota Democrats pass ‘most significant climate legislation in history’ next year?
With the Legislature now fully in Democratic hands after the November election, leaders are promising an ambitious climate agenda aimed at shrinking carbon emissions.
Midwest river towns seek answers after 3M factory taints water with PFAS
Local officials want to reassure residents about their drinking water, even amid questions about health risks and who will pay to clean up the contamination.
Technology, logistics challenge food-scrap composting efforts in Wisconsin
The city and University of Wisconsin are not alone in their struggles to maintain large-scale food waste composting, but parts of Minnesota are ahead on the practice.
Wish you were riding Southwest light rail by now? Blame tunnel vision
The cursed part of the now-$2.74 billion extension of the current Green Line is a tunnel that makes up just 2,870 feet of the 14.5 mile route from Target Field to Eden Prairie.
Why Minnesota Democrats aren’t embracing California’s ban on new gas cars
States like Washington and Massachusetts plan to join California in largely banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035.
Wait? There’s a ‘real issue’ in the state auditor’s race?
It’s called ESG – Environment, Social and Governance – a move to consider issues such as climate change, social justice and equity as state and local governments decide where to invest funds.
How government is learning to cooperate with Minnesota’s tribal nations
Tribal forest managers find value in every forest dweller, in contrast to standard modern forestry.
Environmental justice advocates continue fight against East Phillips public works hub
While the city of Minneapolis moves forward with plans for a public works facility at the Roof Depot site in the East Phillips neighborhood, advocates who have opposed the plan say they are still fighting.
Projects to expand the power grid will make room for more renewable energy and less coal
The Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s (MISO) approval of $10.3 billion for 18 high-voltage transmission lines in the upper Midwest could pave the way for more than 50 gigawatts in renewable energy to be added to the grid and help decarbonize the energy sector.
Tens of thousands lobbied for and against mining moratorium in Superior National Forest
The Bureau said it received 198,111 public comments. Most of these were form letters, opposed or supportive of mining. Only 2,221 were “original, unique responses,” the Bureau said.
What a Supreme Court EPA ruling means for Minnesota and the fight against climate change
The ruling affirms the EPA’s ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, but it takes away the federal agency’s most powerful and cost-effective tool to regulate the nation’s largest stationary sources of greenhouse gas pollution.
The Northern Metals shredder is gone, but environmental dangers remain
While Northern Metals was operating, the zip code of that area, 55411, had the highest rate of asthma hospitalizations in the state, according to the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy.
Energy deal with bipartisan support is a no go with Minnesota Legislature unable to pass a budget
In total, the deal struck over the energy budget would have spent about $46.5 million from the state’s general fund over the next three years and another $36 million from the Renewable Development Account
