Carbon pollution has fallen by one-fifth over the last two decades, but the state likely missed its 2025 target.
More from Environment
Wolf conflicts down in Minnesota after 2024 spike
Ranchers and pet owners have reported far fewer attacks. Mild winters and increased deterrence may be responsible.
February 10, 2026
A north Minneapolis shingle factory is closing, but the fight over pollutants goes on
Community members have been advocating for change for 30 years. The expected closure of the GAF Roofing site will not end their campaign.
February 6, 2026
Brutal cold will hike natural gas prices for some in Minnesota
Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy are both urging customers to conserve energy to save money.
January 23, 2026
Can trees ‘explode’ from extremely cold weather in Minnesota?
A viral social media post claims the upcoming arctic blast will cause “exploding trees” around the Midwest.
January 21, 2026
![Frosted Birch trees reach for the sky on a bitter cold morning in December. ] Minnesota -State of Wonders, Arrowhead in Winter BRIAN PETERSON • brian.peterson@startribune.com
Grand Marais, MN 2/14/2014](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/6ZXHG4LKYMULX4MFGGBDRWW2GE.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
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Lynx kittens spotted in Voyageurs for first time in years
A decade after scientists found “no resident lynx” in the park, a feline family passing by a trail camera gives hope.
January 15, 2026
New effort to open mining near BWCAW could undermine protections outside Minnesota
A novel use of the Congressional Review Act by Rep. Pete Stauber could remove a hurdle for Twin Metals while emboldening opponents of other similar bans.
January 15, 2026
![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/YHBTRGPTHTAE2QDYTS6YZ24OS4.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
Grayson, Ely’s beloved 9-year-old ‘ambassador’ wolf, has died
The stark white arctic wolf at the International Wolf Center was still in good health. The cause of death is unknown.
January 13, 2026
Minnesota DNR approves exploratory mineral drilling near Boundary Waters
The agency allowed the project for Franconia Minerals despite criticism from environmentalist groups.
December 31, 2025
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Mississippi River mining plan dredges up concerns about damage to natural areas
Dakota County and the Metropolitan Council, worried about effects on local parks, are asking for more information before the project moves forward.
December 27, 2025
Enbridge owes nearly $3 million for breaching aquifer during Line 3 construction in Minnesota
The breach in Aitkin County was one of four discovered in Minnesota.
December 25, 2025
Minnesota state park lake still mostly empty after draining in August
A valve malfunction caused Lake Alice at William O’Brien State Park to empty into the St. Croix River. The Minnesota DNR is still planning repairs.
December 24, 2025
Minnesota to launch ambitious moose recovery plan after 15-year decline
Wildlife managers will try to reshape up to 150,000 acres of forest to help moose survive in Minnesota.
December 20, 2025
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