Air
East Metro businesses prevent pollution through voluntary upgrades
Many small businesses, including auto body shops and dry cleaners emit at least some chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. These chemicals are harmful to human health. VOCs also react with other gases to form other air pollutants when released into the air. Improving health and safety is why Environmental Initiative…
Project CAR celebrates 100 repairs at The Lift Garage
Every car owner knows the stress of seeing the check engine light glow red on the dashboard. Suddenly, any normal day is taken over by concerns of finding a repair shop and the potential costs of an unknown repair. For…
Dry cleaner cost share program launched
Perchloroethylene or “perc” is a hazardous solvent once commonly used in dry cleaning operations. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed HF91, a bipartisan bill banning a harmful dry cleaning solvent into law during 2021. In addition to the chemical ban, the bill…
Code red for humanity: Our response
The headlines on Monday, Aug. 9 were terrifying: “Code red for humanity,” “Global climate crisis: inevitable, unprecedented and unavoidable,” and “Wake up to red alert on climate crisis.” We have been battered since early 2020 with a seemingly relentless stream…
Policy Forum recap: Community science, technology, and playing nice in the sandbox
Last week, Environmental Initiative hosted its first policy forum of 2021 on Gather.town and Crowdcast. The session, Community Science, Technology, and Playing Nice in the Sandbox brought together: Brandy Toft, Environmental Deputy Director, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Chris Nelson, Environmental Compliance Director,…
C.H. Robinson creates links in the chain of progress
C.H. Robinson started the year with incredible news – not only had we reached the halfway point to our goal to reducing carbon intensity 40% by 2025, but we had achieved this milestone earlier than anticipated. Strong progress such as…
Xcel Energy focused on essential change
For many of us, this past year made laser clear what we value most, and perhaps, what needs to change. That’s also true for organizations like Xcel Energy. We operate in an industry already undergoing significant transformation, driven by technology…
Air Quality Awareness Week: Highlighting our work
It’s the first week of May, the weather is starting to warm, spring is in full swing, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Awareness Week. Clean Air Minnesota has been busy this year with partnerships to…
Forecasting for better air quality: The impact of air monitors on tribal lands in Minnesota
When we think of Minnesota, we think a lot about the water. We’re known for our lakes and the headwaters of the Mississippi so people may overlook the fact that our air quality is also overall pretty great. Great air…
Better together: Enhancing partnerships and sustainability commitments
The team at Wenck kicked off 2021 with exciting news of our company’s evolution – we joined forces with global design and engineering firm …
