Environment

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will host an informational open house for the mine's air, water and wetlands permits, one of the last regulatory steps for the company.

KAXE covered natural disasters, federal funding chaos, Eichorn's arrest and resignation, mining permits and wild rice, library budget cuts, sheriffs teaming with ICE and more.

The agency did not issue a determination on permits at U.S. Steel’s Keetac mine, which is expected in February 2026 ahead of the Legislature convening.

Positions include the 7th and 8th congressional districts in Northern MN. The board provides leadership and coordination on environmental issues, and chances for public engagement.

Five Northern Minnesota soil and water conservation districts were awarded funds to help prevent and clean up garbage and other waste left on the ice.

Minneapolis-based Mortenson Development wrote in a letter that it wishes to host a public open house before proceeding.

In a lawsuit filed Nov. 5, 2025, the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy joined the grassroots Stop the Hermantown Data Center group to demand further environmental review on a proposed data center.

The updates include a stronger focus on collaboration, community benefits and workforce needs, according to Our Minnesota Climate. It also includes greenhouse gas forecasting.

The walleye population is in "excellent shape," but the winter fishery is so popular, the limit is one lower than it was for open water season.

Public comment on Hermantown's environmental review for "light industrial development" is open through Sept. 30, 2025. The Star Tribune reports the project is a data center.