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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

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

Environmental group calls for tighter water permit for coal plant that spilled next to rice beds

Minnesota Power’s Boswell Energy Center is allowed to pump sulfate-tainted wastewater into the Mississippi River. The state says its new permit will protect wild rice.
December 10, 2024
Environment

Minnesota homeowners are discovering they have lead pipes. Here’s what they can do.

Discovering that you have a lead or galvanized steel service line doesn’t always mean your health is at risk.
December 4, 2024
Outdoors

Some Minnesota honeybees disappeared this fall. Blame mites and a warm autumn.

One Orono apiarist said a whole hive vanished a week ago, leaving only honey behind. Other keepers have reported the same problem.
November 21, 2024
This photo taken Thursday, July 23, 2015, at a farm in Lakeville, Minn., shows honey bees at a bee hive. Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has issued an executive order restricting uses of neonicotinoid pesticides to reverse the decline of bee and other pollinator populations. Dayton made the announcement Friday, Aug. 26, 2016, at the Minnesota State Fair, joined by state agency heads and legislative leaders. He points out that pollinators are crucial to the state's $90 billion agricultural sector, but
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

Environmental group calls for tighter water permit for coal plant that spilled next to rice beds

Minnesota Power’s Boswell Energy Center is allowed to pump sulfate-tainted wastewater into the Mississippi River. The state says its new permit will protect wild rice.
December 10, 2024
Environment

Minnesota homeowners are discovering they have lead pipes. Here’s what they can do.

Discovering that you have a lead or galvanized steel service line doesn’t always mean your health is at risk.
December 4, 2024
Outdoors

Some Minnesota honeybees disappeared this fall. Blame mites and a warm autumn.

One Orono apiarist said a whole hive vanished a week ago, leaving only honey behind. Other keepers have reported the same problem.
November 21, 2024
This photo taken Thursday, July 23, 2015, at a farm in Lakeville, Minn., shows honey bees at a bee hive. Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has issued an executive order restricting uses of neonicotinoid pesticides to reverse the decline of bee and other pollinator populations. Dayton made the announcement Friday, Aug. 26, 2016, at the Minnesota State Fair, joined by state agency heads and legislative leaders. He points out that pollinators are crucial to the state's $90 billion agricultural sector, but
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