Chloe Johnson
Environmental Reporter
EnvironmentA 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.
Latest from Chloe Johnson
Latest twist in Minnesota data center debate: How much water they will consume
Estimates for water use aren’t nearly as high as the electricity needed for the data centers planned in Minnesota
April 11, 2025
I was investigating PFAS. Then a doctor told me to put it in my eyes.
Facing a painful and distracting case of dry eye, a reporter went looking for treatments. What she found was surprising.
April 9, 2025
Minneapolis cites demolition crew tearing down Smith Foundry after pollution caught on video
Neighbors near the foundry, which operated for roughly a century in the East Phillips neighborhood until last year, have worried for weeks about dust escaping the site.
March 20, 2025
We tested household products for PFAS using Minnesota’s new regulations. Here’s what we found.
The Star Tribune used a screening test similar to what the MPCA would. Some results were above the level that could trigger a state inquiry.
March 20, 2025
Two new bills would try to limit Minnesota’s PFAS ban
One measure would exempt youth ATVs and other rec vehicles; the second would void ban widely for products.
March 4, 2025
![Youthful ATV riders waited for instructions from DNR safety instructors. ] JIM GEHRZ • 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 on training with machines and includes obstacle course. This will accompany a package of stories about the](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/3HUJLZISEGH2VB3DFDB3T6BPBU.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
The state says St. Paul foundry is coating homes with soot
Northern Iron, which operates on the East Side of St. Paul, was already locked in a court case with the state of Minnesota over pollution controls.
February 27, 2025
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
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
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
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.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/XYVFZQ2CIDUQGLKNASJSZPJIEI.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
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](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/LSKOQCVUO2OQPOZCCMQKJXWUQA.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
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
