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In Minnesota, an innovative virtual approach to home energy inspections

By Frank Jossi, Energy News Network, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

Armed with her cellphone, Ellen Biales spent an hour last month transmitting video of her St. Paul home to an energy expert who asked questions and dispensed advice.

Biales was among the first Minnesotans to receive a virtual Home Energy Squad visit from the Center for Energy and Environment.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/minnesota-covid-19-coronavirus-home-energy-inspections/

Energy News Network

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PFAS News Roundup: Sen. seeks federal probe of Cohoes incinerator, PFAS actions added to Senate bills, DuPont foresees settlements

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/pfas-new-york-incinerator-oscoda-senate-bills-settlements/

Natasha Blakely

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In: AP, COVID-19, Duluth, fishing, Latest News, Minnesota, News, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing
Minnesotans urged to fish close to home to slow COVID-19

By Steve Karnowski, Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesotans should fish close to home to help curb the coronavirus pandemic when the walleye season opens this weekend, avoiding overnight stays and driving no further than they can go on one tank of gas, Department of Natural Resources officials said Wednesday.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ap-minnesota-fish-business-covid-19-coronavirus/

The Associated Press

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Fishing and Freighters: Great Lakes industries take COVID-19 economic hit

Lake Erie fishing charters reel from stay at home orders, and lake freighters idle due to industry shutdowns.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/covid-19-coronavirus-fishing-freighters-great-lakes-industries/

Gary Wilson

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In: Climate change, Collaboration, Duluth, infrastructure, Lake Superior, Latest News, Minnesota, News, sewage, storms, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Lessons in Resilience: As climate and the economy changes, Duluth steps up

Perched on the western shore of the world’s greatest lake, an inland port city offers lessons for resilience in uncertain times.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/rust-resilience-climate-change-duluth/

Ensia

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In: Climate change, coal, Collaboration, Duluth, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Superior, Latest News, Minnesota, News
In the ‘climate refuge’ city of Duluth, a fight brews over the hometown utility

There has been a growing climate movement in Duluth, a city that advertises itself as an outdoor haven with access to fresh air, clean water and Lake Superior.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/rust-resilience-minnesota-climate-refuge-utility/

MinnPost

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In: Climate change, coal, Collaboration, Duluth, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Minnesota, News, ports, shipping, Shipping and Ports, Wisconsin
As energy use changes in the Great Lakes, so too does the world’s largest freshwater port

The Port of Duluth-Superior is one of the largest ports in the U.S., and its second largest commodity is coal.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/rust-resilience-coal-port-minnesota/

MinnPost

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Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Toxic coal ash, utility company water withdrawal, Line 5

Keep up with energy-related developments in the Great Lakes area with Great Lakes Now’s biweekly headline roundup.

In this edition: Chicagoans furious after smokestack demolition releases dust in Little Village, toxic coal ash to remain on Michigan shorelines indefinitely as coal plants close, Minnesota and Wisconsin natural gas plant opting away from water withdrawal for cooling purposes, Ohio consumer advocate pushing to divert energy efficiency funds to COVID-19 relief payments, and Enbridge’s project to replace part of its Line 5 pipeline under the St.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/great-lakes-energy-line-5-coal-ash-demolition-water-withdrawals/

Ian Wendrow

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In: fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Forests and Plants, Illinois, Indiana, invasive species, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, plants, Quebec, The Provinces, The States, Wisconsin
Controlling Invasives: States urge residents to help stop spread of invasive species

Spring in the Great Lakes region brings blooming tulips, pollinating bees, biting sunfish and the threat of spreading invasive species.

As residents head outdoors to freshen backyard ponds and launch fishing boats, state and provincial resource managers are urging everyone to keep a few simple guidelines in mind to keep the Great Lakes safe.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/states-stop-spread-aquatic-invasive-species/

Kathy Johnson

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In: Duluth, freighters, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, News, photos, shipping, Shipping and Ports, soo locks, St. Mary's River
Freighter Photos: Check out some stunning images of the vessels traversing the lakes

Travel may not be an option for people right now with the ongoing spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are many ways to still take in the sights – including through photos of hard-to-find views of the massive freighters that cross the Great Lakes.

The Great Lakes Seaway Partnership is a nonprofit initiative that is a collaboration between U.S.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/freighter-photos-great-lakes-seaway/

Natasha Blakely

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In: Drinking Water, economy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, environment, Equity and Environmental Justice, Great Lakes, Illinois, Indiana, John Hartig, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Policy, Protect, Science, Technology, Research, The States, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, water, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Moment: Earth Day turns 50

Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig shares his own memories of the first Earth Day and the changes he’s noticed in the nature around him since then.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/great-lakes-moment-earth-day-turns-50/

John Hartig

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In: Chicago, COVID-19, economy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, environment, Great Lakes, Ian Wendrow, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, water, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: COVID-19 impacting utilities everywhere and across industries

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/great-lakes-energy-coronavirus-covid-19-nuclear-solar/

Ian Wendrow

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In: Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, COVID-19, Detroit, Drinking Water, Duluth, economy, Gary Wilson, Great Lakes, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, Milwaukee, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, water, Wisconsin
Water for All: Milwaukee, Chicago lead in ensuring water during COVID-19 crisis

Some Great Lakes cities and states are ahead of the game when it comes to ending water shutoffs during the COVID-19 crisis. Others aren’t.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/water-shutoffs-milwaukee-chicago-detroit-cleveland-buffalo-duluth/

Gary Wilson

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Minnesota Supreme Court agrees to hear PolyMet permit appeal

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court has agreed to hear PolyMet Mining Inc.’s appeal of a ruling that canceled three permits needed for its proposed copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota.

In January, the Minnesota Court of Appeals gave environmentalists a major victory by rejecting some of the most important permits for the planned mine.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/ap-minnesota-supreme-court-polymet-permit-appeal/

The Associated Press

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In: canada, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Duluth, economy, environment, Great Lakes, Illinois, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, Milwaukee, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism, Wisconsin
Inside Entertainment: COVID-19 has Great Lakes aquariums and museums offering online activities

The public can continue to enjoy aquariums, museums and centers as the facilities close buildings. But starting March 25, Parks Canada is closing all national parks.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/aquariums-museums-online-livestreams-covid-19/

Kathy Johnson

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In: AP, associated press, Drinking Water, economy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, environment, Great Lakes, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Minnesota, News, pollution, water, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Minnesota Court of Appeals sends PolyMet permit back to MPCA

By Amy Forliti, Associated Press Writer

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Court of Appeals sent an air-emissions permit for the PolyMet copper-nickel mine back to state regulators for further review on Monday, giving another victory to environmental groups who oppose the project.

The appeals court found that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency did not adequately evaluate whether the air permit requested by PolyMet was a “sham permit” — meaning one that didn’t accurately reflect the size and scope of PolyMet’s proposed mine.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/ap-minnesota-court-appeals-polymet-permit-mpca/

The Associated Press

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In: Drinking Water, economy, environment, epa, Forever Chemicals Featured, Great Lakes, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, PFAS, Protect, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wisconsin
PFAS Around the Great Lakes Region: Actions taken in each state or province and standards set, if any

The eight Great Lakes states and Canada are approaching PFAS contamination in their own ways and setting their own standards.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/pfas-standards-actions-state-canada/

Natasha Blakely

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In: AP, Drinking Water, Duluth, economy, environment, Great Lakes, infrastructure, Minnesota, News, pollution, water
Scientists testing alternative to road salt to protect water

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — Researchers in Minnesota are trying to find an alternative to road salt in an effort to protect the state’s water bodies from contamination.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported Saturday that road salt is the top source of chloride in state waters. Scientists have been ramping up warnings that rising chloride levels could harm aquatic life and turn tap water salty.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/ap-scientists-testing-alternative-road-salt/

The Associated Press

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Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Mich. “energy freedom” bills, Toledo low-income community solar project, Minn. Supreme Court backs frac-sand mining ban

Catch the latest in Great Lakes energy news in Great Lakes Now’s fortnightly energy-related headline roundup.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/energy-solar-low-income-court-appeal/

Ian Wendrow

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Judge backs Minnesota’s Twin Metals mine in lease dispute

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday rejected a challenge by environmental groups against the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota, saying the Interior Department had the authority to reverse itself and renew the project’s federal mineral rights leases.

The Obama administration tried to kill Twin Metals by rejecting the company’s application to renew its leases, citing the risk of acid mine drainage to the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/ap-judge-minnesota-twin-metals-mine-lease-dispute/

The Associated Press

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In: economy, environment, Great Lakes, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, Municipalities, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Research, Data and Technology, Resource, Science, Technology, Research, water, Wisconsin
Flushing Caution: Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner asks people to properly dispose of cleaning products

Anything that says “Flushable Wipes” is not flushable, commissioner says.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/flushable-wipes-coronavirus-covid-19-sewers/

Natasha Blakely

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In: economy, environment, Great Lakes, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, PFAS, pollution, Ric Mixter
PFAS News Roundup: Ohio starts testing, Minnesota cleanup could cost $1.2 billion, DuPont might dodge liabilities

Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in Great Lakes Now’s biweekly headline roundup.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/pfas-ohio-minnesota-dupont-settlement-milk-ski-racing/

Ric Mixter