Public News Service

The Center for Rural Affairs said if all forecasted solar in the Midwest was developed on prime farmland, it would occupy only 1.45% to 2.9% of such farmland in this part of the nation. (Adobe Stock)

Tractors, barns and solar panels: Renewables help reshape MN ag land use

Minnesota has plenty of prime farmland, with some of it being converted in the transition to clean energy sources such as solar. The movement has …

University of Minnesota officials said a new climate change prediction tool means information gathering is not just for the research community but by the broader public as they prepare for possible scenarios. (Adobe Stock)

Wanna know what climate change looks like in 50 years? MN tool can help

From government planners to farmers to residents, those wondering how climate change will affect Minnesota in the decades to come can now get the …

Federal tax incentives are being awarded to spur more carbon capture projects around the U.S., including the controversial Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline in the Midwest. But some environmental groups want to

Public can weigh in on proposed carbon pipeline in MN

Public hearings are scheduled this month as Minnesota regulators consider a permit for a proposed pipeline to transport carbon emissions from ethanol …

Food systems are responsible for about a third of global greenhouse-gas emissions, according to the United Nations. (Daniel Thornberg/Adobe Stock)

MN gets $200 million to reduce emissions in its food systems

The Environmental Protection Agency is giving Minnesota $200 million to reduce emissions in its food systems. The money will impact a large swath …

Industry groups said Minnesota's current solar investments have created enough capacity to power nearly 400,000 homes. (Adobe Stock)

MN poised to complete one of nation's largest solar farms after permit vote

Construction could begin in Minnesota later this year in the final phase of one of the nation's largest solar energy developments, after state …

Minnesota farmer Stuart Lavalier proudly displays his solar installation on his property along the Iron Range. (Photo courtesy of Resource Rural)

MN berry grower adds solar power to his revenue stream

By Bryce Oates for Resource Rural.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Resource Rural-Public News Service Co…

A University of Minnesota expert said drinking enough water helps your muscles work efficiently, a key benefit for those doing outdoor labor during hotter stretches. (Adobe Stock)

Ice cold water: A shield against hot temperatures, especially for outdoor workers

Minnesota could see temperatures reach the 90s in the coming days and as residents try to stay hydrated, one health expert said consistency is key…

Minnesota officials say a new roofing standard, created by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, has shown to reduce the costs of hail and wind-related damages by up to 60%. The standard is now being used for home resiliency programs. (Adobe Stock)

Roof repair grants could keep MN insurance claims from spiraling out of control

Minnesota is part of a patchwork of states trying to reimagine storm preparedness, by making roofs on homes stronger - before winds and hail fueled …

The Conservation Fund said it aims to protect five million acres of forest by 2035. (Adobe Stock)

National project helps MN push back against deforestation

Deforestation remains a concern in the U.S. but success stories are emerging and Minnesota advocates said new achievements bode well for all …

According to the U.S. Department of energy, e-bikes topped the 1 million mark in sales in 2022, almost four times the total from 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Can e-bikes become a carbon reduction force?

Tomorrow Minnesota will reopen online applications for electric bike rebates. Environmental advocates are closely watching consumer demand for …

The Minnesota DNR says rivers in several parts of the state are running extremely high and fast, and conservation officers recommend people stay off the areas until water levels drop. (Photo courtesy of DNR)

Soggy MN weather prompts safety issues as state park season kicks off

Recent bouts of heavy rain are not just leading to flooded basements in Minnesota, they are reducing access to state parks just as summer demand …

Those behind a new electric ambulance say standard gas-powered EMS vehicles usually only last about seven years. But they say their electric model can stay on the road for a full decade. (Adobe Stock)

You've heard of electric buses, but what about zero-emission ambulances?

From passenger cars to school buses, the transportation sector is steadily ramping up its push for all-electric vehicles. In the future, ambulances …

The meal pictured above was served at a recent Minneapolis event designed to call more attention to climate change and its effect on food production. (Photo courtesy of Jayme Halbritter)

Can fancy dinners deliver message on climate change?

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

The Midwest is expected to see a host of new transmission line projects over the next decade to accommodate clean energy growth. But getting the necessary permits can take time, since these projects often cross multiple jurisdictions. (Adobe Stock)

MN lawmakers give clean energy permitting a makeover

In the future, clean energy projects in Minnesota might come together more quickly, since state lawmakers have advanced a permitting reform measure…

Stakeholders across the renewable-energy industry say there's a bottleneck of projects due to constraints within the nation's power grid. (Adobe Stock)

For clean energy, power grid is a Rubik's Cube needing to be solved

A federal agency today is expected to announce reforms related to the power grid, which is stretched thin as the nation transitions away from fossil …

For the 2023 tax year, the top five Minnesota counties under the state's wind energy production tax received nearly $12-million in combined revenue. (Adobe Stock)

In some MN counties, wind turbines are taxpayers, too

Minnesota is coming off another windy month of April. Those strong wind gusts may have translated into some extra cash for counties with wind …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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…

Officials with the Aging and Climate Change Clearinghouse contend the baby boomer generation has developed consumption patterns exacerbating climate change. They say changing patterns, such as making homes energy-efficient, can help reduce the climate threats they face. (Adobe Stock)

New project weaves in older populations in responding to climate threats

From prolonged droughts to intense rain and snowstorms, the Midwest is not immune to climate change threats. An emerging resource aims to place more …

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…

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 …

Supporters of a federal Climate Corps see it as an opportunity to help underserved communities and address environmental racism by training more younger people to take on climate-related jobs. (Adobe Stock)

Wanted: Younger workforce ready to learn about climate jobs

If states like Minnesota are going to meet their climate goals, experts say younger workers will need to step into the roles to make it happen - like …

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 …

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 …

According to a Move Minnesota poll, 86% of respondents report driving as one of the main ways they get around, but nearly one in five drivers would prefer to travel by another mode. Advocates say expanding mass transit or walking options could help. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Minnesotans Want Transportation Options Beyond Roads

A Minnesota bill could surface as early as this week, calling for a proposed tax increase to fund transportation needs. Advocates and local …

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 …

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 …

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MN: Climate Change