Officials: Minn. Businesses Lead The Nation In Preventing Pollution
State officials say a new report shows that Minnesota businesses lead the nation in reducing or eliminating dangerous pollutants from their work processes.
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State officials say a new report shows that Minnesota businesses lead the nation in reducing or eliminating dangerous pollutants from their work processes.
A federal judge has rejected a lawsuit by two major farm groups that sought to block the release of data on large livestock farms in Minnesota and Iowa.
On Tuesday, California became the first state to ban single-use plastic bags like the ones used in Target and grocery stores across the country. The plastic bags will be phased out over the next two years, but people can still use them for vegetables and meats. Paper bags will cost 10 cents while reusable bags will be free to use.
Sen. Al Franken says the Obama administration may scale back projected cuts to ethanol and other renewable fuels production. An Environmental Protection Agency proposal for renewable fuel standards would reduce by almost 3 billion gallons the amounts of ethanol and other biofuels blended into gasoline in 2014 than the law requires.
The company will install the technology to help settle allegations it violated the federal Clean Air Act by failing to get permits and installing less-than-best pollution control technology at its plants.
The federal Environmental Protection Agency has reversed itself and rejected a water quality variance for the Mesabi Nugget iron processing plant near Hoyt Lakes. Environmentalists and Chippewa bands had challenged the EPA's 2012 decision to grant the variance. They said it improperly allowed the plant to exceed state standards for pollutant discharges.
The Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to consider whether pollution controls at Xcel Energy's Sherco power plant are adequate for cutting haze over two national parks and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The federal agency and six environmental groups filed a proposed consent decree Tuesday that obligates the EPA to take action on a 2009 National Park Service finding that haze from the coal-fired plant near Becker impairs the views at Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota and Isle Royale National Park in Michigan. The consent decree would settle a lawsuit the groups filed in 2012.
A task force established by the Environmental Protection Agency to curtail farmland pollution that flows into the Mississippi River has reached an agreement with 12 universities.
Senators from North Dakota and Minnesota say the Obama administration should retreat on a proposal to make significant changes to renewable fuel standards and show its support for the biodiesel industry. Democratic Sens. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota say that biodiesel production has led to thousands of jobs and remains a clean, safe form of energy.
Some lawmakers are trying to help Minnesota ice arenas pay for a pricy upgrade. Beginning in 2020, there's an international agreement to stop producing the R-22 refrigerant, which many rinks use to stay cold. The transition will mean higher costs, as the rinks will need to find alternative refrigeration systems.
The federal Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to reverse its approval for a variance that lets the Mesabi Nugget iron processing plant near Hoyt Lakes violate Minnesota water quality standards but said Tuesday that the state and company will get the chance to reapply.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is holding a series of public meetings this month to present its draft list of "'impaired waters" for 2014. It's a list of waters that violate water quality standards.
An environmental lawyer accuses the Environmental Protection Agency of watering down a letter that praised progress toward completing a long-awaited review of plans for building the first copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota.
Duluth Mayor Don Ness is proposing big changes for the city's Lake Superior waterfront. The goal's to fill in the slip where the William A. Irvin freighter museum is docked. The Environmental Protection Agency has identified the slip as a "hot spot" for contamination.
Fifteen teachers from five states are spending the week on Lake Ontario as part of a research program. The teachers, from elementary to high school, are aboard the Lake Guardian, a research vessel operated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Nitrogen is a crucial part of all living things. But the millions of tons of nitrogen manufactured by humans every year are a two-edged sword.
The U.S. and Canada have approved an updated version of a 40-year-old pact that commits both nations to protecting the Great Lakes.
St. Paul is getting $1.8 million in "brownfield grants" from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for cleaning up abandoned industrial and commercial properties.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it has finished its cleanup of arsenic contamination in a south Minneapolis neighborhood a full year ahead of schedule.
The Environmental Protection Agency Administrator will be in the Twin Cities this week.
More than 32 mostly coal-fired power plants in a dozen states will be forced to shut down and an additional 36 might have to close because of new federal air pollution regulations, according to an Associated Press survey.
An environmental group is warning Minnesotans to beware of mercury emissions in the fish they eat.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has completed an arsenic cleanup project in south Minneapolis.
As strange as it sounds, a Minneapolis family was sure their kitchen remodel made them sick. Joel and Laura Stonebraker soon found out something much more dangerous was at work. WCCO-TV went along as environmental investigators diagnosed a sick house.
Environmental Protection Agency chief Lisa Jackson says the Obama administration will target nine polluted harbors for accelerated cleanups under a program to heal the ailing Great Lakes.
President Biden announced Sunday he is dropping his reelection bid in the 2024 presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.
Flight cancellations and delays continue at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Monday, several days after global technology outages brought major disruptions to the airline industry.
A North Carolina woman is still trying to get home after last week's CrowdStrike outage waylaid her at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Authorities suspect several garbage fires on Minneapolis' West Lake Street Monday morning were intentionally set.
Things will stay unsettled for the next couple of days before more favorable weather returns.
Flight cancellations and delays continue at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Monday, several days after global technology outages brought major disruptions to the airline industry.
A North Carolina woman is still trying to get home after last week's CrowdStrike outage waylaid her at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Authorities suspect several garbage fires on Minneapolis' West Lake Street Monday morning were intentionally set.
Lisa Ishchenko is in the U.S. for the first time – away from her family, away from her life as a medical student, away from the war that still makes itself known daily in her home country of Ukraine.
Children's Hospital reported that a 5-month-old child had unexplained bruising and they believed the abuse occurred at Small World Daycare Center in Blaine.
A standoff with an allegedly armed suspect in southern Minnesota shut down traffic on Interstate 35 for hours Sunday afternoon.
Top leaders from Minnesota are reacting to President Biden's decision to step down from his reelection bid and Gov. Tim Walz is throwing his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Sauk Rapids Police Department says it responded to a report of a dead man in Lions Park shortly before 7 a.m.
The train, which was carrying consumer goods, derailed around 3:15 a.m.
Anyone who called Blaze Credit Union heard a recorded message saying they're experiencing issued related to the outage.
The Dunn County Sheriff's Office says the crash happened around 10:46 a.m. at 710th Street and 240th Avenue in Spring Brook.
A group of farmers is changing how they use their land by working with nature to improve their animal's health, along with the soil and water.
A faculty committee has recommended that a former chancellor of the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse be removed from his tenured position over his involvement in adult entertainment.
"I was like, okay we got to do something about this. We have to write a story that actually talks about what it's like to have a disability and that you are just a normal person," said writer Katie Mettner.
There may be no better cultural ambassador for Wisconsin than Charlie Berens.
Lisa Ishchenko is in the U.S. for the first time – away from her family, away from her life as a medical student, away from the war that still makes itself known daily in her home country of Ukraine.
The Minnesota Vikings are sponsoring girls flag football leagues across the state in an effort to give everyone a chance to play the game.
Spike Moss spent decades fighting for his community, much of that time along Plymouth Avenue.
Veterans who had been living on the street now have a new home in St. Paul as part of the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans' effort to end homelessness.
On the museum's website, a banner reads: "There's no place like home. Donate to keep the ruby slippers where they belong."
President Biden announced Sunday he is dropping his reelection bid in the 2024 presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.
There has been so much attention on the developments with the presidential candidates that some local races have not gotten as much attention.
There has been so much attention on the developments in the presidential candidates that some local races have not gotten as much attention. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is running for her fourth term in the US Senate. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy looks at the unusual journey Republicans are taking to find the opponent to run against her.
President Biden on Sunday announced he is not running for reelection and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the nomination.
Key progressive and member of "The Squad" Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar endorsed Kamala Harris for president on Sunday after President Biden announced he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race.
A North Carolina woman is still trying to get home after last week's CrowdStrike outage waylaid her at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
The global Microsoft outage is causing mass flight cancellations and delays nationwide Friday, including at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Whether you plan to hit the water, savor the treats or maybe just stay indoors, Minnesotans are in for a hot summer weekend.
A 2019 blue Hyundai Elantra has given Erin Walters the freedom to travel across the country. That all changed a week ago after she tried renewing her car insurance with State Farm and was denied.
A recent study shows that Minnesota is ranked sixth in the nation for business, with high marks coming from areas judging the state's competitiveness, workforce, infrastructure, economy, quality of life and business friendliness.
Authorities suspect several garbage fires on Minneapolis' West Lake Street Monday morning were intentionally set.
A standoff with an allegedly armed suspect in southern Minnesota shut down traffic on Interstate 35 for hours Sunday afternoon.
Children's Hospital reported that a 5-month-old child had unexplained bruising and they believed the abuse occurred at Small World Daycare Center in Blaine.
The Sauk Rapids Police Department says it responded to a report of a dead man in Lions Park shortly before 7 a.m.
The Burnsville Police Department has evacuated numerous neighbors near the 12600 block of Chowen Bend after being called to a residence for a domestic assault.
For two years, three simple numbers have an impact on countless people struggling with mental health.
An anti-abortion group in South Dakota is appealing a judge's dismissal of its lawsuit to remove an abortion rights initiative from the November ballot.
Minnesota health care systems are working to recover after a technical outage overnight caused Microsoft systems to go down globally.
Energy drinks have been around since the 1940s, and in recent years, they've become all the buzz — especially with young people. But studies have shown they may not be as popular with our hearts.
Across three-quarters of a century, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation has treated hundreds of thousands of people with addiction.
Organizers were looking for a new location that had the infrastructure to host the festival and support its growth.
Bob Newhart, who starred in the long-running sitcoms "The Bob Newhart Show" and "Newhart," has died at age 94.
From major floods to a major festival — work is underway to transform St. Paul's Harriet Island into an oasis for festivalgoers.
Minnesota's largest Black-sponsored festival will ring in its 42nd year this weekend with performances from two of hip hop's most legendary artists.
Nominations for the 76th annual Emmy Awards were announced Wednesday, with "Shōgun," "The Bear," "Hacks," "Only Murders in the Building" and "Baby Reindeer" all earning multiple major nods. See the full list of nominees for the 2024 ceremony here.
Adrian Beltré, Joe Mauer, Todd Helton and Jim Leyland have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Rhys Hoskins hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning and rookie Jackson Chourio homered and drove in three runs to lift the Milwaukee Brewers to a two-game sweep of the Minnesota Twins with an 8-7 win at Target Field.
Joey Ortiz hit the go-ahead sacrifice fly in the 12th inning after hustling home for the go-ahead run in the 11th to give the Milwaukee Brewers a spark out of the All-Star break in an 8-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
Minnesota United used a first-half own goal and a second-half score by Bongokuhle Hlongwane to snap a nine-match winless streak with a 2-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes.
Minnesota Vikings' presumed quarterback of the future, J.J. McCarthy, is reportedly signing a four-year contract with the team.
There has been so much attention on the developments with the presidential candidates that some local races have not gotten as much attention.
There has been so much attention on the developments in the presidential candidates that some local races have not gotten as much attention. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is running for her fourth term in the US Senate. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy looks at the unusual journey Republicans are taking to find the opponent to run against her.
A presidential race like no other seems like a farfetched fiction novel after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy explores the future of the race amid calls for unity and Trump's gaining momentum in Democratic stronghold states.
A presidential race like no other seems like a farfetched fiction novel after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy explores the future of the race amid calls for unity and Trump's gaining momentum in Democratic stronghold states.
A presidential race like no other seems like a farfetched fiction novel after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy explores the future of the race amid calls for unity and Trump's gaining momentum in Democratic stronghold states.
Instead of watching old, classic cars leave the state, a museum in Wright County is trying to keep them around at the Veit Museum near Buffalo.
When Belgian immigrants settled in Ghent, they brought along rolle bolle — a sport that's sort of a cross between curling and lawn bowling — but you don't play with a ball, you play with a bolle.
The town of Remer is surrounded by hundreds of acres of woods and marshes. A perfect place for squirrels, deer, bears and maybe even Bigfoot.
Native Americans, Swedish immigrants and even cattle thieves have all taken shelter in a little spot along the St. Croix River.
Claws, scales, teeth and tails: There's a place in Medford where alligators and snakes have taken over.
Energy drinks have been around since the 1940s, and in recent years, they've become all the buzz — especially with young people. But studies have shown they may not be as popular with our hearts.
The sounds of summer wouldn't be complete without the familiar tune of mosquitoes buzzing. But did you ever wonder: Why do mosquitoes buzz? Good Question.
The funny bone is anything but funny. So why does it hurt so bad when it gets hit? It turns out there's a "humerus" answer.
It's an age-old question that's been studied for years: When is the best time to exercise? Good Question.
Summer projects around the house are a staple of the season. Figuring out which ones to tackle yourself versus hiring a professional can be tough for beginners.
The Minnesota State Fair has announced its new offerings for 2024, and they include plenty of fried foods, plenty of dairy, and plenty of sweet corn. See the full roster of new items here.
Thousands lined the streets of Hennepin Avenue on Sunday for the Twin Cities Pride Parade.
Many Minnesotans will be cleaning up Thursday from a storm system that brought sizable hail, heavy winds and possible tornado touchdowns.
Minnesotans were delighted by an otherworldly light show Friday night that was on a level the state hadn't seen in nearly two decades.
Many Minnesotans were treated to a stunning double rainbow on Thursday.
Expect pop-up storms on Monday in the afternoon and evening hours, with spells of sunshine and clouds as well.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Things will stay unsettled for the next couple of days before more favorable weather returns.
Things will stay unsettled for the next couple of days before more favorable weather returns.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says we will stay in the 80s this week before heating up for the weekend.
Crews responded, searched the building and put out the fire. No one was injured.
The fallout over the CrowdStrike outage continues, we could soon learn if another local union is going on strike and more.
Expect pop-up storms on Monday in the afternoon and evening hours, with spells of sunshine and clouds as well.
Melissa Vestal has been trying to get home for three days.
The Democratic candidacy is up for grabs after President Biden announced he’s leaving the race, plus more of the day’s top stories.