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
Talon Metals steps up exploratory drilling for a nickel mine in Minnesota, cites ‘exceptional’ find
The company, which is partnered with a subsidiary of international mining giant Rio Tinto, has drilled 292 holes in Aitkin County over four years.
May 8, 2025
Trump names NorthMet copper-nickel mine in Minnesota a federal priority
The project in Babbitt, originally proposed by the company PolyMet, still needs to re-apply for a key federal permit.
May 2, 2025
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
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
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