Public News Service

The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy says a law change, which includes updating the state's public waters list, could provide protections for at least 640 miles of additional waterways across the state. (Adobe Stock)

To shield public waterways from runoff, MN takes an inventory dive

What might seem like an under-the-radar administrative task could end up being a lifesaver for Minnesota waterways in need of safeguards against agric…

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 …

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 …

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 …

Minnesota advocates have been pushing for tighter permit regulations in areas that have records of environmental injustice. With the governor's office promoting similar provisions, they hope to be successful this session. (Adobe Stock)

MN Could Include Environmental Justice in Deciding Industrial Projects

Racial disparities exist in Minnesota when it comes to asthma cases. Environmental-justice advocates said it is one example of pollution …

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 …

Examples of brownfield sites include an out-of-business gas station, or an old dry-cleaning business which may have disposed chemical solvents down the drain, contaminating the groundwater. (Adobe Stock)

MN Communities Get Helping Hand to Re-Work Contaminated Sites

Minnesota has more than 10,000 brownfield sites, which are abandoned or idled properties in need of contamination removal. State officials will soon …

The Canadian company Enbridge Energy has built a new oil pipeline in northern Minnesota that has capacity of 760,000 barrels per day. (Adobe Stock)

Line 3 Sparks Conversations on Faith, Fairness in Climate Fight

PARK RAPIDS, Minn. -- Oil will soon be flowing through the Line 3 pipeline replacement for northern Minnesota. Supporters are applauding completion…

Tara Houska, founder of Giniw Collective, has worked with other tribal activists such as Winona LaDuke in trying to stop the Line 3 oil pipeline project. (Photo courtesy of honortheearth.org)

With Line 3 Nearing Finish Line, Tribal Opponents Continue Speaking Out

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. -- The Line 3 oil pipeline for northern Minnesota could begin operating by as early next month. The latest update comes as …

PolyMet's proposed copper-nickel mine for northeastern Minnesota had been under review for more than a decade before it became ensnared in a legal fight over permits and hearings. (Adobe Stock)

MN Supreme Court Ruling Halts PolyMet Project

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Environmental advocates say they're breathing a temporary sigh of relief after the Minnesota Supreme Court weighed in on a …

A new national poll finds while minorities are greatly concerned about climate change, fewer than four in 10 Caucasian adults are aware both Latino and Black communities face more pollution than does the general population. (Adobe stock)

Hennepin Climate-Action Plan Highlights Racial Disparities

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- While higher amounts of pollution are often found in Black and Brown communities, a new national poll shows many white …

About 90% of U.S. coal plants pollute groundwater with dangerous levels of toxic contaminants from coal ash, according to a study by the Environmental Integrity Project and Earthjustice. (earthjustice.org)

EPA Announces Plans to Lift Regulations on Toxic Coal Ash

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Environmental Protection Agency announced on Tuesday it plans to lift some Obama-era regulations on the use of coal ash…

The Superior Hiking Trail, located on Minnesota�s North Shore is a 310-mile footpath that follows the ridge line overlooking Lake Superior. (sierraclub.org)

Presidential Candidates Asked to Address Great Lakes' Water

ST. PAUL, Minn. – When Democrats face off in Detroit next week for the second presidential debate, conservation groups would like to hear them …

The rusty patched bumblebee, Minnesota's new official state bee, has lost 90% of its historical range and experienced a dramatic population decline. (Paloma Ayala/Adobe Stock)

Summer Bees are Buzzing, But For How Long?

ST. PAUL, Minn. – One out of every three bites of food you eat is dependent on pollinators doing their jobs – and threats to those …

Overall, larger and longer-lived fish including northern pike build up the most mercury because they eat many smaller fish that contain mercury. (fws.gov)

MN Mom Joins Others to Testify Against Relaxed Mercury Standards

ST. PAUL, Minn. — A recommended rollback on standards for mercury and other toxic pollutants drew moms, dads and kids to Washington, D.C.…

Outgoing Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has said he hopes the next Legislature and governor will expand the state's Renewable Energy Standard

Groups Say Propping Up Coal Creates Public Health Threat

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Environmental groups call the Trump administration's plan to relax pollution rules for coal-fired power plants a "dirty power …

Chlorpyrifos, a widely used corn herbicide in Minnesota has been banned by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. (water.usgs.gov)

What Will Banned Pesticide Mean For MN Ag Producers?

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Midwest farmers and other users of the pesticide chlorpyrifos can continue applying the chemical to crops for the next two …

Cleanup of the St. Louis River is one of the largest environmental projects ever undertaken in Minnesota. (americanrivers.org)

Public Input Sought on Great Lakes Restoration

DULUTH, Minn. – The future of the Great Lakes is up for public comment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is crafting the next phase of …

Three out of four Minnesotans get their drinking water from groundwater sources, and clean-water advocates say more should be done to protect it from polluted farm runoff. (George Becker/StockSnap)

Groups Ask MN Lawmakers to Make Clean Water a Priority

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Environmental groups say clean water is under attack in Minnesota, and this Wednesday, they're planning a peaceful …

Parents are reminded during this National Poison Control Week not to take medications in front of young children, who are more likely to mimic them with serious consequences. (User Jaime/Flickr)

Dispelling Myths for Poison Prevention Week

ST. PAUL, Minn. – This is National Poison Prevention Week - and in Minnesota, the goal is to dispel some common myths about whether and when to …

PolyMet Mining says its NorthMet mine would be dug 700 feet below ground, which critics say also poses potential threats to water quality. (PolyMet)

MN Precious Metals Mine Advances to Draft Permit Stage

ST. PAUL, Minn. – What could be the final public comment period is open on a proposal for PolyMet to mine copper, nickel and other precious …

Cover crops such as winter rye are a good way to reduce runoff from fertilizer. (LSDSL/Wikipedia)

MN Out Front on Addressing Nitrogen Problems

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota is the first state in the nation to try telling farmers how to apply fertilizer to their crops. The state’s …

Clancy was a lab/hound mix trained to sniff out mercury in schools. (MPCA)

Next Chapter for Mercury-Hunting Dog and MN Scientist

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Hamline University gave its 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award to Carol Hubbard, who has spent most of her career exposing …

The EPA budget affects Minnesota's ability to monitor water quality at its swimming beaches. (Steve Moses/Flickr)

Would EPA Funding Cuts Assault Public Health in MN?

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Bipartisan criticism over the Trump administration's ideas for the Environmental Protection Agency has forced several crucial …

For the first time, the soybean crop in Minnesota this year is as big as the corn crop. (United Soybean Board)

New Survey Asks MN Farmers about Controversial Herbicide

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A new weed killer could be damaging the crop it's supposed to protect. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says it's …

A study says more than 50,000 Americans die prematurely each year because of air pollution, and recommends more solar power as a way to reduce that figure. (elpc.org)

A Bonus Solar Benefit: Lives Would be Saved

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Thousands of Americans die prematurely from air pollution-related diseases associated with burning coal, and a new study from …

Natural gas pipelines leak, and workers are being hired to repair them. (V. Carter)

Efforts to Fix Natural-Gas Leaks Mean More Jobs

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- A new report shows that business is booming for those who work to stop leaks in natural gas pipelines across the country. While …

Protesters say they won't give up their fight to stop the flow of oil through Minnesota and other states. (MN350)

Pipeline Protesters Watching, Waiting

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Two activists from Seattle who were arrested last fall for trying to shut off the Enbridge pipeline in Minnesota will be back …

Minnesota has taken the lead in protecting pollinating insects from harmful pesticides, which environmentalists say will benefit the country's agriculture system. (iStockphoto)

Minnesota Takes Lead in Protecting Pollinators

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Minnesota is being called a leader when it comes to restricting the use of pesticides that environmentalists say hurt bees…

Study Finds More MN Retailers Adopt "Bee-Friendly" Policies

MINNEAPOLIS -- New tests found significant decreases in the use of bee-killing pesticides on "bee-friendly" plants. That’s good news for bees…

Minnesota environmentalists say an update to the EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act could limit the state's own safeguards. (iStockphoto)

MN Environmentalists Want More from New Toxics Rules

ST. PAUL, Minn. - One step forward, two steps back. That's how some Minnesota environmentalists describe new federal rules on toxic substances that …

Even as air-pollution monitoring standards get tougher, a new report shows Minnesota's air quality continues to improve. (iStockphoto)

Report: Minnesota Air-Quality Improves Amid Tougher Standards

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Air quality in Minnesota is improving, according to the new State of the Air report from the American Lung Association. Out of 14 …

Conservation-minded farmers will be testing new software this month to help weigh the benefits of switching to cover crops. (iStockphoto)

MN Farmers to Test New Conservation Tool

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Farmers who are interested in helping with land conservation could soon have a new tool – and it isn't a new piece of …

A group of Minnesota religious leaders are supporting moves to lessen mandatory sentencing for low-level drug offenses. (iStockphoto)

MN Religious Leaders Support Changes to Drug Sentencing Laws

ST. PAUL, Minn. - As Minnesota's prison population continues to grow, a group of religious leaders are speaking out in support of plans to lighten …

New limits on mercury pollution could save lives, according to supporters of the EPA's Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. (Click/Morguefile.com)

New Air Pollution Rules Will Limit Mercury

ST. PAUL, Minn. - After a 20-year court fight, the Environmental Protection Agency is set to put power-plant pollution rules in place that supporters …

PHOTO: The EPA is being taken to court over its approval of an herbicide for use on genetically engineered soybean and corn crops in Minnesota and 14 other states. The plaintiffs say Enlist Duo poses a threat to human health and endangered species. Photo credit: davef3138/Flickr.

Approval of New Herbicide Use in Minnesota Challenged

ST. PAUL, Minn. - A legal battle is being mounted against the Environmental Protection Agency over its expanded approval of a new herbicide for use …

PHOTO: The Tips from Former Smokers campaign from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is underway, highlighting the health effects of smoking beyond the heart and lungs. Photo credit: Terry Ozon/Flickr.

New Campaign Burns Claim That E-Cigarettes Help Smokers Quit

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Colon cancer, vision problems and myths about "vaping" - a slang term for using e-cigarettes - are featured in a new CDC public …

PHOTO: Among the newer concerns this National Poison Prevention Week are concentrated laundry pods, which often have bright colors and can be mistaken by young children as candy. In addition to the ingestion risk, they can lead to eye injuries from squirting out when bitten into. Photo credit: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission/Flickr.

Dangers at Home: Poison Prevention Week in MN

ST. PAUL, Minn. - This is National Poison Prevention Week and local experts say some simple steps around the home can help reduce the chances of …

PHOTO: A new public awareness campaign from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group is asking the famous

Watchdog Group Wants Antibiotics Off McDonald's Menu

ST. PAUL, Minn. - A new campaign has been launched urging the largest restaurant chain in the nation to stop purchasing meat that's been raised with …

PHOTO: Homeowners across Minnesota are being urged to take action this month by testing for radon, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Photo credit: Scott feldstein/Flickr.<br />

Elevated Levels of Radon in 40 Percent of MN Homes

ST. PAUL, Minn. – It really is a matter of out of sight, out of mind, but radon is a deadly danger in many homes across the state and the …

PHOTO: There are ways to burn a more efficient fire to help reduce wood smoke, which is harmful to human health and can be a major source of air pollution. Photo credit: Matteo Paciotti/Flickr.<br />

Minnesotans Warm Up Best with Dry, Seasoned Wood

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Burning a cleaner fire in that woodstove or fireplace during the winter months is helpful to Ninnesotans' health - and also to the …

$PHOTO: A new study finds more than half of the frac sand mining companies operating in neighboring Wisconsin are violating regulations or$

Minnesota Warned to Take Heed of Wisconsin Frac Sand Violations

WINONA, Minn. - A new analysis on the frac sand mining industry in neighboring Wisconsin is being called a "red flag" for Minnesota communities …

PHOTO: A new analysis finds that about 15 percent of Minnesota's public school students attend classes within one mile of a so-called high-risk chemical facility. Image courtesy Center for Effective Government.

1 in 6 MN Kids Attend Schools Near High-Risk Chemical Facilities

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Tens of thousands of children across Minnesota and millions across the country go to school in the shadow of a potentially …

PHOTO: A coalition of citizens and environmental groups is launching a

McDonald's Urged to Keep Promise On Reducing Pesticide Drift

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Concerned citizens in Minnesota are urging the fast good giant McDonald's to follow through on a promise to reduce pesticide …

PHOTO: A report on how Minnesota could work to stem the die-off of bees in recent years was delivered to the state Capitol on Wednesday. CREDIT: Brian Jeffery Beggerly

Hive Owner: MN Bee Protection Plan is Little More than Buzz

BARRETT, Minn. - The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is moving ahead with a review of a class of pesticides that has been linked to the deaths of …

PHOTO: As parents across the nation get their last-minute shopping done, they're reminded that they should still take the time to make sure the toys they're picking out are not dangerous or toxic. CREDIT: Microsoft Images.

Don't Forget Toy Safety In Last-Minute Shopping Rush

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The time for gift shopping is quickly coming to an end, but parents are reminded that it still pays to be cautious when buying toys…

PHOTO: Hoping that Congress will commit funding for long-term restoration, hundreds of people who work to keep the Great Lakes healthy gathered this week to share ideas and build relationships. Photo credit: Steve Moses.

A Matter of Momentum for Great Lakes Restoration

ST. PAUL, Minn. - More than 400 advocates from Minnesota and across the region gathered in Milwaukee on Tuesday for the annual Great Lakes …

PHOTO: A first-of-its-kind pilot study has found that some garden plants sold as

Some "Bee Friendly" Plants Sold in MN Actually Toxic to Bees

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Home garden plants that are labeled as "bee friendly" in stores may actually harm and kill bees, according to a new first-of-its-…

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Public News Service (podcast)"
	"Hey Google, play the Public News Service podcast"
	"Alexa, play Public News Service podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2024 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2024 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 24 Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Alexa, play the Yonder Report podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

PNS Daily Newscast - September 19, 2024

2024Talks - September 19, 2024

The Yonder Report - September 19, 2024

MN: Toxics