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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Feds Asked to Help Reduce Pollution Over MN Wilderness

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Wednesday, September 9, 2009   

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Several conservation groups are calling on the federal government to require the state to reduce haze over Minnesota's national parks and wilderness areas. Chuck Laszewski with the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy says they've petitioned the Departments of Interior and Agriculture to include some tough clean-up measures in a draft plan now being drawn up by the state Pollution Control Agency.

He says one target is emissions from what he cites as one of the area's worst pollution offenders, the state's largest generating plant, run by Xcel Energy in Sherburne County.

"The air over some of our most pristine areas, particularly the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Voyageurs National Park, suffers from haze many days of the year. It shouldn't. When people go to those places, they should have crystal-clear skies to look at."

He also includes the Isle Royale National Parks as a haze victim. The groups want the Pollution Agency plan being drafted to reduce the emissions and haze and improve the region's air quality.

The EPA says the Xcel coal plant in Sherburne County is considered the biggest polluter of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide in the state. Xcel notes that, over the years, it has implemented whatever controls were necessary to meet regulations, and says it will continue to comply with any reasonable guidelines.

Laszewski says the coastal scenery in Isle Royale and other national parks should not have to be viewed through a haze. And he says the sources are well-known.

"It's the particulates, basically, that come out of coal-fired power plants and out of taconite processing plants. In particular, we're asking that they use the best available technology to cut those types of pollutants."

He says the petition asks the federal government to order the state to act more thoroughly than the state plan now being considered. The advocates want tougher rules, and they say getting the feds involved will help bring pressure.

Other groups in the federal petition for stronger haze reductions are the National Parks Conservation Association, Voyageurs National Park Association and Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness.




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