Library

Looking for new and notable information to help you dig deeper into an issue? Start with these featured reports and web sites, and then browse through our full selection by topic.

Reports: Featured

America's children and the environment
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, January 2013, 504 pp.
Presents national data on children's environmental health. Indicators cover conditions in the environment such as air pollution, contaminants measured in children such as blood lead levels, and health conditions such as asthma. more info >

Greenhouse gas emissions reduction 2013
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Department of Commerce, January 2013, 11 pp.
A report to the Minnesota legislature on progress reducing greenhouse gas emissions. more info >

Cityscape: Climate Change and City Hall
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, January 2013
Journal issue focusing on cities and climate change. Topics include: what cities are doing to address sustainability, sustainability as economic development, policy integration for sustainable development, promoting sustainable land development patterns, social actors and policy levers for mitigating greenhouse gases. more info >

Biennial report of the Clean Water Council
Clean Water Council, December 2012, 22 pp.
Report on the activities of the Clean Water Council and its appropriations as a result of the state Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. The report summarizes Council priorities and presents funded projects aimed at ensuring clean water in Minnesota. more info >

Trends in land use in the Twin Cities region
Metropolitan Council, September 2011, 4 pp.
Presents results of a land use survey conducted every five years. The report shows a decrease in acres of developed land and an increase in the acreage of land for park and recreation uses. Ten percent of the region's area is now for park and recreation uses. more info >

A strategy for America's energy future: Illuminating energy's full costs
Brookings Institute, May 2011, 35 pp.
In this report, The Hamilton Project provides four principles for reforming America’s energy policies. more info >

Safe drinking water in Minnesota: A summary of drinking water protection activities in Minnesota for 2010
Minnesota Department of Health, May 2011, 20 pp.
Annual summary report that provides information about Minnesota's community water supply systems. The report includes a section addressing emerging issues impacting the state's drinking water. more info >

Minneapolis Greenprint: 2011 Environmental report
City of Minneapolis, April 2011, 16 pp.
The sixth annual Greenprint reports on efforts by the City of Minneapolis to protect and enhance its urban environment, including information on energy and emissions, urban design and mobility, clean water and the green economy. more info >

Annual pollution report to the Legislature: A summary of Minnesota's air emissions and water discharges
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, April 2011, 75 pp.
This report provides annual emission and discharge estimates as one means of tracking progress on air and water pollution, and for tracking performance and relative contributions of pollution sources. more info >

Minnesota water sustainability framework
University of Minnesota Water Resources Center, January 2011
Presents the 10 most pressing issues to be addressed to achieve sustainable water use in Minnesota, presents strategies for what should be done, and provides recommendations for how to meet these challenges. The report addresses a wide range of water issues, including drinking water, stormwater, agricultural needs, land use, and more. more info >

Water availability assessment report
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, August 2010, 22 pp.
Provides a review of the current state of Minnesota's water resources relative to the quantities and trends of our water supplies. The report includes information on trends in water use, lake and groundwater levels, and stream flows. more info >

The state of the great outdoors: America's parks, public lands and recreation resources
Resources for the Future, September 2009, 100 pp.
This report assesses trends in the demand and supply of outdoor recreation resources, open space, and conservation lands in the United States, including information on public and private sector funding and financing. It includes information on historical trends and examines how emerging trends will shape the use of outdoor resources in years to come. more info >

Clean energy lead by example guide: Strategies, resources, and action steps for state programs
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, June 2009, 192 pp.
Guide for states implementing clean energy policies and programs in buildings, facilities, operations, and fleets under their control. The guide outlines the value of clean energy programs and activities, a set of activities that states are successfully implementing, and a process for developing, implementing, and tracking a comprehensive clean energy program at the state level. more info >

Air quality in Minnesota: Emerging trends
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, January 2009, 24 pp.
Report to the Minnesota Legislature on trends in major air pollutants and air quality challenges. more info >

Web sites

Designing and building healthy places
Resources from the CDC's Healthy Community Design Initiative. Healthy community design integrates evidence-based health strategies into community planning, transportation, and land-use decisions. more info >