Public News Service

Alan Bedtka is pictured in a stand of sorghum-sudangrass, which he was paid to plant to boost soil health and reduce his fertilizer use. (Photo courtesy of Alan Bedtka)

Monday, April 22, 2024

Can taller cover crops help clean the water in farm country?

By Brian DeVore for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News…

State meteorologists in Minnesota say several climate change effects have greatly increased the amount of fuel available for wildfires, which can grow rapidly and be difficult to extinguish. (Adobe Stock)

More summer smoke? Experts monitor climate-fueled events and health effects

Wet weather this spring has improved drought conditions in Minnesota and southern Canada. However, experts remain on alert for increased wildfire …

PFAS are chemicals used since the 1940s. They are found in everyday products such as nonstick cookware. Public officials are sounding the alarm about health risks associated with the chemicals, including their presence in drinking water. (Adobe Stock)<br />

EPA finalizes national standard for PFAS in drinking water

Minnesota is the site of a high-profile drinking-water contamination case linked with so-called forever chemicals and advocates are hopeful residents …

As part of its Climate and Resilience Action Plan, the city of St. Paul plans to convert the Como Zoo Conservancy building to geothermal heating and cooling. (Flickr)

St. Paul Climate Action Plan aims for net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050

By Frank Jossi for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Netwo…

Researchers with North Star Policy Action say Minnesota has more ambitious clean energy goals than neighboring states, but lags behind some of them in output. Permitting issues in Minnesota are cited as a big factor. (Adobe Stock)

MN tinkers with policy to speed up wind and solar projects

Minnesota has about 15 years to achieve its mandate of 100% carbon-free electricity from utilities. To get there, clean energy voices say the …

Backers of establishing a cleaner standard for transportation fuel in Minnesota say it would apply to both in-state producers, as well fuel that's imported. (Adobe Stock)

MN transportation sector could be next in line for carbon-free standard

Minnesota already has a law calling for 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. Now, there's a similar plan for transportation, and a legislative …

New findings complied by Climate Central note that warming temperatures have led to 49 fewer

Report: Great Lakes not as icy most winters

Minnesota is seeing a glaring lack of snow and lake ice this winter, and a new report underscores how climate trends are leading to diminished ice …

When it comes to electric vehicle registrations per capita, Minnesota ranks high among Midwestern states but still lags behind coastal states such as California. (Adobe Stock)

MN rolls out new electric-vehicle rebates

This week, the state of Minnesota began a new rebate program for electric vehicle purchases. Officials say a third of the funding set aside for the …

According to the Clean Grid Alliance, Minnesota farmers, ranchers and landowners receive nearly $9 million annually from land lease payments related to solar projects on their property. (Adobe Stock)

MN landowners warming up to solar

Drive around rural Minnesota and you might spot a solar farm. Complexities are being sorted out for bigger projects and in the meantime, farmers are …

Heat pumps, powered by electricity, are seen as a key source in eventually replacing natural gas to reduce emissions from homes and businesses. (Adobe Stock)

MN coalition: Give residents a voice in phasing in clean heat sources

A regulatory hearing dealing with energy policy does not seem like a setting for most Minnesotans but a new coalition is recruiting voices who want af…

Old-growth forests, which provide crucial wildlife habitat, clean water and carbon sequestration, are under threat from the effects of climate change, magnifying drought, disease, insect damage and fire severity. (Adobe Stock)

Public feedback sought on old-growth forest protections

States such as Minnesota have several old-growth forests, and the timber industry is pushing back against a Biden administration proposal to limit …

In 2023, the Legislature approved nearly $50 million for the new Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority. Officials said the funds will help accelerate the adoption of proven clean energy technology and greenhouse-gas reduction projects. (Adobe Stock)

'Green Bank' among new MN climate efforts trying to get off ground

When Minnesota lawmakers reconvene in the coming weeks, additional climate change work is expected. Meanwhile, bigger moves from last year are being …

To date, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has made available $1.25 billion dollars in new grant funding for farmers and rural small business owners to add clean energy technology to their properties. (Adobe Stock)

Feds beef up hiring to help rural America with clean energy grants

Federal grant money is flowing in to help farmers and smaller businesses in rural communities adapt to clean energy technology. Minnesota is among …

Algunos cient�ficos clim�ticos sostienen que romper con los combustibles f�siles lo antes posible podr�a evitar una cat�strofe clim�tica global. Si bien muchas empresas de servicios p�blicos han hecho tales promesas, argumentan que la transici�n no ser� f�cil debido a las demandas energ�ticas actuales. (Adobe Stock)

Voces de MN llevan mensaje de justicia ambiental a conferencia global

Esta semana concluyó una conferencia climática global de alto riesgo, con un nuevo acuerdo sobre los combustibles fósiles en vigor…

Some climate scientists argue that breaking away from fossil fuels as soon as possible could stave off a global climate catastrophe. While many utility companies have made such pledges, they argue the transition won't be easy because of current energy demands. (Adobe Stock)

MN voices carry environmental justice message at global conference

A high-stakes global climate conference wrapped up this week, with a new agreement concerning fossil fuels in place. But it wasn't just elected …

Through the Inflation Reduction Act, the U.S. Department of Agriculture offers rural electric cooperatives nearly $10 billion in grants and loans to help cover costs as they pursue cleaner forms of electricity. (Adobe Stock)

Using federal incentives, rural electric co-ops make clean 'power grab'

Utilities and government agencies in the U.S. are carrying out plans to transition to cleaner electricity sources. To avoid being left behind…

Using federal incentives, the USDA is calling on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations to add anaerobic digesters that collect methane from manure to be used for electricity. But conservation groups countered it will do little to reduce harmful emissions from industrial ag operations. (Adobe Stock)

Family farm groups blast conservation incentives for industrial ag

Minnesota has been in the headlines over nitrate levels in drinking water and some conservation groups argued industrial farms are being given too man…

Elected leaders and Connexus Energy officials gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony in October to announce the planned installation of a battery storage system inside the company's Vadnais Heights substation. (Photo courtesy of CEEM)

MN project takes on energy reliability, affordability balancing act

In what's described as the first such project in the upper Midwest, a Minnesota utility is retooling one of its power distribution systems to make …

Federal officials say the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides funding opportunities for smaller communities to improve their water infrastructure. (Adobe Stock)

Biden pushes rural investment message with MN visit

President Joe Biden was in southern Minnesota yesterday to highlight federal investments for rural America. Biden visited a farm near Northfield to …

The nonprofit newsgathering organization Climate Central recently analyzed fall warming trends in 244 U.S. cities. Around 89% have seen October nights warm up since 1970. (Adobe Stock)

Don't let this year fool you. Midwest Halloweens are warmer on average

Minnesotans are in store for a frighteningly cold Halloween this year but weather experts said climate change is making October nights in the Midwest …

Nearly 10 regional hubs across the U.S. will share about $7 billion in federal funding to develop a national network of clean hydrogen producers, consumers and infrastructure. (Adobe Stock)

MN and its neighbors score big in 'hydrogen hub' funding

Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota are being asked to play big roles in determining how to make hydrogen a viable form of clean or low-carbon …

Agrivoltaics is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as the use of land for both agriculture and solar-energy generation. Above is an example of a Minnesota project, where farmers are growing crops at a solar site. (Photo courtesy of Connexus Energy)

Growing veggies with a side of solar cuts emissions, boosts land access

The arrival of fall has farmers transitioning to the harvest season, but what if some gathered their crops with rows of solar panels right alongside …

While Minnesota continues to see job growth in clean energy, trade groups warn if efforts are not accelerated to add more grid capacity, projects slated for development could be stalled or canceled, potentially cutting into job gains. (Adobe Stock)

MN Part of Nationwide Burst of Clean-Energy Jobs

Federal data show much of the U.S. is seeing job growth for the clean energy sector, and Minnesota is no exception, as new regional numbers confirm …

Beyond insulation and furnace repairs, programmable thermostats are part of home weatherization services to help establish more energy efficiency. (Adobe Stock)

With Winter Around the Corner, MN Enhances Weatherization Efforts

The application period is now underway for Minnesotans who'll need help with heating bills this winter. The Energy Assistance Program also paves the …

Environmental researchers reported buildings account for 40% of global carbon emissions, and not all of it is from their heating and cooling systems. They said conventional construction materials used to build them, such as steel and concrete, account for some of the pollution, too. (Adobe Stock)

New MN Law Gives Skeletons of Buildings a Green Makeover

Just like electric vehicles and solar farms, the bare bones of a large building can be environmentally friendly if constructed with certain supplies…

Developing carbon capture technology has been viewed by some, including the Biden administration, as a way to help achieve climate goals. But in the Midwest, private projects involving multistate pipelines and underground storage have resulted in pushback. (Adobe Stock)

New Twist in Regional Carbon Pipeline Plan Felt in MN

The fallout continues from last week's decision by North Dakota regulators to deny a permit for a controversial regional pipeline project. Opponents …

This year, the Minnesota Legislature approved $15 million for the Solar for Schools program, which helps public schools and state colleges and universities install solar panels on their campuses. (Adobe Stock)

Transit, Solar Access, Commercial Buildings Part of MN Climate Push

August is usually a time when new laws take effect in Minnesota - and in the months ahead, a lot of eyes will be monitoring the implementation of …

The U.S. Department of Energy says a large amount of potential clean power capacity has been proposed, but it is threatened by gridlock due to wait times and other factors. (Adobe Stock)

Permitting: The 'Elephant in the Room' in Advancing Clean Energy

As signs of climate change surface in Minnesota, policymakers and utilities are making a hard charge to transition to clean energy sources, but …

During periods when wildfires are prevalent, the public is urged to check local air quality reports or monitor the news media in case unhealthy smoke drifts into their region. (Adobe Stock)

With Climate Change, Smoky Air Could Become Routine Threat

Summer in Minnesota has come with an unwelcome visitor: periods of thick, smoky air brought on by Canadian wildfires. It has propelled conversations …

Union leaders have accused U.S. rail companies of prioritizing cost-cutting, prompting safety concerns. (Adobe Stock)

Congress Faces Pressure to Advance Rail Safety Plan

During National Safety Month, Congress is being urged to take swift action to pass the Rail Safety Act of 2023. The measure aims to prevent future …

Connexus Energy operates a 'solar meadow' at its headquarters in Ramsey, Minn. (Photo courtesy of Fresh Energy)

Summer's In Bloom, Including 'Solar Meadows' in MN

By Elizabeth Hewitt for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Net…

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says its new study into the economics of removing PFAS

New Study Puts Price Tag on PFAS Removal from MN Water Systems

As more research emerges about the chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, government agencies are faced with the task of figuring …

In addition to shielding waterways from harmful sources, a new Minnesota environmental spending bill includes funding for planting trees and other efforts to accelerate carbon sequestration. (Adobe Stock)

MN Goes Big on Committing Funds to Protect Natural Resources

From protecting and studying waterways to addressing chronic wasting disease, conservation voices say there are a lot of important items in …

According to an industry group, renewables account for 81% of all new power generating capacity built in Minnesota in the last decade. (Adobe Stock)

Report: MN's Clean-Energy Transition Gains Stronger Foothold

For a third year in a row, zero-carbon sources accounted for the majority of electricity generated in Minnesota, according to the latest edition of …

In the past two years, the federal government has adopted two major laws to provide states billions of dollars to beef up infrastructure, including clean energy. But there are strings attached, as states must provide matching funds to maximize available grants. (Adobe Stock)

MN Joins 'Matching-Funds Game' for Clean-Energy Projects

Minnesota has taken a big step in unlocking more funds from Congress to secure clean energy projects. The state was under pressure to come up with …

Federal officials say cold-climate heat pumps can provide high-efficiency heating in freezing temperatures without producing greenhouse gas emissions. (Adobe Stock)

Science Moms Hope 'Cleanversations' Spur Climate Action from Families

April is Earth Month, and moms who work in scientific fields are trying to get the attention of parents in Minnesota and elsewhere - hoping they'll …

Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time, including during the growing season, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock)

MN Included in Wetland Restoration Funding

Funding priorities under the federal Inflation Reduction Act continue to roll out, including a new effort for Minnesota and some surrounding states …

Durante algunos a�os, defensores de Minnesota han estado presionando para que se establezcan regulaciones de permisos m�s estrictas en �reas que tienen antecedentes de injusticia ambiental. Con la oficina del gobernador promoviendo disposiciones similares, esperan tener �xito en esta sesi�n. (Adobe Stock)

MN podría incluir la justicia ambiental para decidir sobre proyectos industriales

Existen disparidades raciales en Minnesota cuando se trata de casos de asma. Defensores de la justicia ambiental dicen que ese es un ejemplo de la …

Supporters of Minnesota's new 100% carbon-free plan say it balances reliability factors in providing electricity by providing

Sorting Out the Cost Factors Behind MN's Carbon-Free Plan

Minnesota recently captured headlines for its approval of a new goal to reach 100% carbon-free electricity, and those tracking the effort say while …

Highways are hot spots for soot, producing fine particulate matter which has major effects on the health of those who live near interstates. (Adobe Stock)

Clean Air Groups: EPA Needs to Get Tougher on Soot

The federal government is gathering public feedback on proposed revisions to air-quality standards for soot pollution. Environmental voices in the …

Environmental groups say not only is salt used for melting ice bad for natural resources, it also poses health risks to pets. (Adobe Stock)

Minnesotans Urged to Go Easy on Ice Melt During Storm

Parts of Minnesota are poised to receive around 20 inches of snow over the next couple of days, and while there is a clear need to keep roads and …

As the threat of climate change looms larger, researchers say Minnesota's lakes will see more effects, including fish kills and a shorter window for ice cover. (Adobe Stock)

MN Launches Web Tool to Monitor Its Waterways' Health

Researchers said warming temperatures brought on by climate change pose a range of threats to Minnesota's waterways, and state officials hope a new …

Workers in July helped with installation at a 15-megawatt solar construction site owned by Minnesota Power in Sylvan, near Brainerd. (Photo courtesy of CEEM)

Will 2023 Be MN's Big Year for Clean-Energy Policy?

Despite gains in certain areas, Minnesota is still behind its current goals to reduce carbon emissions. But those in the clean-energy sector see big …

Minnesota is poised to receive more than $7 billion from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to add infrastructure, such as EV charging stations. Many projects require matching funds from the state to take full advantage of the federal grants. (Adobe Stock)

As Session Nears, MN Faces Renewed Pressure Over Public-Works Funds

Minnesota's projected budget surplus now stands at more than $17 billion, and supporters of clean energy projects and other infrastructure needs say …

Officials at the state's Department of Natural Resources say last year's drought in Minnesota was likely the worst one seen since 1988. (Adobe Stock)

Despite Snow, Climate Watchers Keep Close Eye on MN Drought Patterns

Snow is on the ground in much of Minnesota, but the state is coming off another warm season with notable drought conditions. Those who monitor …

In a new Minnesota survey, 64% of respondents said the state should focus on preserving and conserving grasslands, forests and wetlands. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Minnesotans Worried About Climate Change, but Hopeful on Solutions

A major global conference centered around climate change is winding down this week. As those talks play out, Minnesotans are expressing their …

Over the past year, Minnesota awarded 44

Outdoor Recreation Grants to Help MN Kids Stay Healthy

Health experts say soaking up nature and taking up outdoor activities can keep kids on a healthier path as they grow. But not all of them have equal …

Researchers say long-term exposure to pesticides can result in a range of chronic health issues, including cancer. (Adobe Stock)

As New Trade Talks Evolve, Pesticide Concerns Enter the Discussion

The U.S. is talking with several nations as part of an emerging framework for trade policy. But in the Midwest, there are concerns about the ripple …

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MN: Environment