Minnesota Independent

GOP plans broad environmental, energy reforms in Legislature

By Molly Davis | 01.13.11 | 11:07 am

House Republicans are putting together a comprehensive environmental and energy agenda that they say will promote business and cut down bureaucratic red tape while protecting water, air and other natural resources. Among the provisions: expanding nuclear and coal energy in Minnesota, speeding the permitting process for facilities that discharge pollutants or manage waste products, and promoting the use of “greener” chemicals by farmers. Environmental groups are expressing concern over some of the measures.

U of M removing toxic waste from family student housing site

By Chris Steller | 11.17.09 | 1:55 pm

Starting in 1947, thousands of young families have lived on four Southeast Minneapolis city blocks, in housing provided by the University of Minnesota. But it wasn’t until last year that anyone raised the alarm that the land many of those families have called home appears to be a toxic waste dump.

Recycling law may stem ‘tsunami’ of discarded TV sets

By Paul Schmelzer | 01.28.09 | 4:06 pm

With just three weeks to go until the deadline for digital TV conversion, government officials, thrift store owners and landfill operators are bracing themselves for a wave of outdated sets.