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Chloe Johnson

Environmental Reporter
Environment
A graduate of American University in Washington, D.C., Johnson joined the Minnesota Star Tribune in 2022. She has completed the Metcalf Institute's Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists, and is a member of the Society of Environmental Journalists. Johnson previously covered the environment at the Charleston Post and Courier in South Carolina, where her work was honored as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.

Contact

EMAIL
chloe.johnson@startribune.com

Latest from Chloe Johnson

The Latest

Minnesota’s pollution complaint system faulted in report on Smith Foundry

The Office of the Legislative Auditor recommended the state work closely with the EPA to calculate emissions more consistently.
February 13, 2025
Politics

U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber reintroduces bill that would open copper nickel mining near Boundary Waters

Sen. Tina Smith plans to oppose the legislation if it reaches the Senate.
February 7, 2025
Environment

DNR must consider anew whether to study massive pool of mine waste above Lake Superior, court rules

The tailings basin at Milepost 7 could be studied for the cumulative effects of extending its dams, even though the project was approved in the 1970s.
February 3, 2025
Environment

Use of PFAS-tainted sludge as fertilizer raises cancer risk on farms, EPA says

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says new information will inform state’s plan to manage farm contamination.
January 16, 2025
Metropolitan Council biosolids from its Empire wastewater plant were spread on a 100 acre harvested corn field.] DAVID JOLES • david.joles@startribune.com Human waste becomes manure for cropland twice a year, when the Metropolitan Council sends biosolids from its Empire wastewater plant to nearby farms and was seen Wednesday, Nov, 20, 2019, in Farmington, MN. The plant will soon undergo $23 million in upgrades, such as expanding the pad where human waste is stored outside to dry.
Environment

Minnesota dealers left with unsellable youth ATVs and dirt bikes because of PFAS ban

Honda alerted showrooms about the new Minnesota law less than two weeks before it took effect. Yamaha sent out a notification after it started.
January 10, 2025
Youthful riders wearing protective gear, lined up in groups that were assigned to various stations at a DNR ATV training course. Stations included obstacle courses, classroom training and more.] JIM GEHRZ ï jgehrz@startribune.com / Farmington, MN 6/28, 2014 / 9:00 AM / BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Minnesota DNR conducted a training class for ATV riders, particularly aimed at younger riders at the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington. Jay Peterson was among the instructors. This is hands o
Environment

Cookware association sues Minnesota over PFAS ban, calling it unconstitutional

A federal suit says Minnesota’s sweeping “forever chemical” prohibitions violate the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
January 7, 2025
A label states that these pans do not contain PFAS, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Environment

Minnesota nickel mine that would supply Tesla shelves its unusual excavation method

Talon Metals, which is trying to mine nickel near Tamarack, Minn., says it will dig a simpler path to the ore it wants to extract.
December 20, 2024
A worker shows a core sample, in search of nickel, at Talon Metals' proposed Tamarack Mine.
Environment

EPA investigating taconite mine for pollution that threatens wild rice

The U.S. Steel site in northern Minnesota had previously asked for an exception to the standard the company is now accused of violating.
December 19, 2024
Environment

Minnesota dealers left with unsellable youth ATVs and dirt bikes because of PFAS ban

Honda alerted showrooms about the new Minnesota law less than two weeks before it took effect. Yamaha sent out a notification after it started.
January 10, 2025
Youthful riders wearing protective gear, lined up in groups that were assigned to various stations at a DNR ATV training course. Stations included obstacle courses, classroom training and more.] JIM GEHRZ ï jgehrz@startribune.com / Farmington, MN 6/28, 2014 / 9:00 AM / BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Minnesota DNR conducted a training class for ATV riders, particularly aimed at younger riders at the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington. Jay Peterson was among the instructors. This is hands o
Environment

Cookware association sues Minnesota over PFAS ban, calling it unconstitutional

A federal suit says Minnesota’s sweeping “forever chemical” prohibitions violate the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
January 7, 2025
A label states that these pans do not contain PFAS, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Environment

Minnesota nickel mine that would supply Tesla shelves its unusual excavation method

Talon Metals, which is trying to mine nickel near Tamarack, Minn., says it will dig a simpler path to the ore it wants to extract.
December 20, 2024
A worker shows a core sample, in search of nickel, at Talon Metals' proposed Tamarack Mine.
Environment

EPA investigating taconite mine for pollution that threatens wild rice

The U.S. Steel site in northern Minnesota had previously asked for an exception to the standard the company is now accused of violating.
December 19, 2024
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