The end of ethanol: Future-proofing Minnesota’s cropland
The electric vehicle transition will happen, and it has huge implications for American farms (not to mention opportunities for water quality). In the electrified world of 2050, demand for corn ethanol will have plummeted, and the agricultural economy will be nothing like the one you know today. If we invest in innovative clean-water crops now, we can improve the long-term outlook for our state’s rural economic prosperity and for our river. >>
Global action on hybrid and electric vehicle commitments
We're tracking the transition to electric vehicles because moving away from ethanol production has major implications for agriculture and therefore water quality. Here's a very brief summary of recent local and global commitments towards electric vehicle incentives, requirements and production goals. >>
MPR: UN study says don’t worry about microplastics in drinking water – much
Minnesota Public Radio recently highlighted a World Health Organization study on microplastics in drinking water. The conclusion: “…levels of microplastics in drinking water don't appear to be risky, but that research has been spotty and more is needed into their effects on the environment and health.” >>
State research offers fresh look at a troubled Minnesota River
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency recently released a series of reports, studies and plans addressing water contamination in the Minnesota River, the biggest tributary to the Mississippi in our state. It looks like the river is in need of some big changes if we're to meet our state's water quality goals. >>
NPR: As climate changes, taxpayers will shoulder larger U.S. payouts to farmers
A recent National Public Radio story highlighted the risks that climate change may pose to both farm operations and Americans' pocketbooks in the years to come. >>
Legislative Water Commission revived with a new name
Last month, we lamented one of the more unusual results of the 2019 Legislative session: The administrative purgatory of the Legislative Water Commission. This month, we’ve got some great news! >>
MN's groundbreaking Groundwater Protection Rule goes into effect
After decades of delay, Minnesota’s Groundwater Protection Rule aims to protect public health by addressing fertilizer contamination in groundwater. This is the first time our state has exercised its regulatory authority over cropland agriculture to protect water quality. >>
Wall Street Journal: The world’s appetite is threatening the Mississippi River
Early this month, the Wall Street Journal published a fascinating overview of the agricultural runoff challenges facing the length of the Mississippi River. And satellite images of the Upper Midwest in the Washington Post illustrate how this wet spring spells trouble for farmers and for the river. >>
Cornell research: Fertilizer plants emit 100 times more methane than reported
New research from Cornell University suggests that methane emissions from fertilizer production facilities may be 100 times greater than industry estimates. In fact, it might be greater than the U.S. EPA’s estimate for all national industrial processes combined. >>
