Chloe Johnson
Environmental Reporter
EnvironmentA graduate of American University in Washington, D.C., Johnson joined the Minnesota Star Tribune in 2022. She has completed the Metcalf Institute's Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists, and is a member of the Society of Environmental Journalists. Johnson previously covered the environment at the Charleston Post and Courier in South Carolina, where her work was honored as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.
Latest from Chloe Johnson
U.S. House demands records from environmental groups that opposed Twin Metals mine in Minnesota
The copper-nickel mine is controversial for its proximity to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and the Biden Administration had canceled its leases.
December 3, 2025
![Rising above the treeline (Top of this photo), on the shore of Birch Lake, the Twin Metals Copper Nickel Mine Plant site and Tailings Management site is part of the proposed plan. ] In theory, the copper-nickel mine Twin Metals wants to build in the headwaters of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a zero-discharge mine — a closed loop that will endlessly recycle millions of gallons of water, including rainwater and the polluted process water it uses to extract ore and](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/AWHWWVUU5HGVMX6RUZ4PCKXP6A.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
Editor's Pick
A lawsuit blooms in Plymouth as homeowner battles HOA over her naturally planted yard
Bonnie Scott’s fight with the Churchill Farms Homeowners Association could test the limit of Minnesota’s law protecting natural landscapes.
November 9, 2025
Why not vaccinate Minnesota turkeys for bird flu? It could start a trade fight.
Inoculating turkeys would defend against the virus that has led to the culling of millions of birds. But there are economic downsides.
October 8, 2025
‘Make America Healthy Again’ movement, Minnesota farm groups in fight over pesticides
Advocates who oppose chemicals in the food system wanted a tougher approach against glyphosate and other pesticides. Farmers have pushed back.
October 2, 2025
Bucking its deregulation agenda, EPA says polluters must pay for PFAS cleanup
Trump’s EPA said it would classify two of the industrial chemicals as “hazardous,” affirming a Biden Administration policy.
September 22, 2025
Helium company’s hopes rise along the Iron Range, with plans for more drilling
Pulsar Helium said it needs to further probe a region of northern Minnesota where the gas was discovered by accident in 2011.
September 17, 2025
St. Paul foundry will install new equipment to settle pollution case
The enforcement against St. Paul Brass and Aluminum Foundry began with a surprise inspection in 2022 and did not involve a fine.
September 11, 2025
Neighbors of an Eagan battery recycling plant had controversial bone scans to detect lead poisoning
Minnesota health authorities distanced themselves from the bone scan technology, which was used as part of a lawsuit.
September 7, 2025
What child survivors of the Annunciation shooting will need to deal with trauma
Counselors offer advice on how adults can help children who survived the Minneapolis shooting.
August 30, 2025
MPCA asks neighbors for ‘trust’ in lieu of details about investigation of battery recycling plant
Gopher Resource, on Yankee Doodle Road in Eagan, is accused of breaking national lead standards earlier this year.
August 18, 2025
‘I’m angry every day’: Neighbor describes life next to an Eagan car battery recycling plant
Steve Roth said his report helped spur past testing for toxic lead in his neighborhood.
August 6, 2025
To protect wild rice, Minnesota moves to cut off pollution from taconite basins
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is trying to enforce a sulfate limit at U.S. Steel’s Keetac basin, one of six that leak the substance.
July 27, 2025
