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
What you need to know about copper-nickel mines in Minnesota
Twin Metals, NewRange Copper Nickel and Talon Metals are all proposing hardrock mines. Each plan has environmental risks.
June 26, 2025
![Rising above the treeline (Top of this photo), on the shore of Birch Lake, the Twin Metals Copper Nickel Mine Plant site and Tailings Management site is part of the proposed plan. ] In theory, the copper-nickel mine Twin Metals wants to build in the headwaters of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a zero-discharge mine — a closed loop that will endlessly recycle millions of gallons of water, including rainwater and the polluted process water it uses to extract ore and](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/AWHWWVUU5HGVMX6RUZ4PCKXP6A.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
Sen. John Hoffman got into politics because he wanted to help his neighbors
Hoffman and his wife survived being shot repeatedly by a would-be assassin.
June 14, 2025
Twin Metals mine may still get a lifeline. The lake next door is already polluted.
For decades, an abandoned mine upstream has released sulfates into a watershed that flows to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
June 12, 2025
MPCA intends to yank permit for St. Paul foundry accused of polluting the neighborhood
Northern Iron says it will fight the state’s decision.
June 4, 2025
Drainage work stalls at mine pit that could flood small Iron Range town
The Department of Natural Resources said it may have to change its plan to drain the Canisteo Mine Pit because a filter for zebra mussels may not work as designed.
June 4, 2025
Minnesota veterans reflect on the Vietnam War, 50 years later
Even when wars are unpopular, veterans should be honored for their service, Memorial Day speakers said.
May 26, 2025
A mushroom hunting novice hunts for Minnesota’s elusive morel
The Gentleman Forager guides Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Chloe Johnson and others into the world of fungi.
May 16, 2025
Xcel steps up pumping at Monticello nuke plant as radioactive water moves toward Mississippi River
The water is testing close to the EPA’s safety threshold for tritium, but Minnesota agencies say there is no risk to the public.
May 12, 2025
![Xcel Energy Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Monticello, Minn. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ • carlos.gonzalez@startribune.com.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/2QA5UICDUHGBLT6LYJBMLOV3TQ.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
Drainage work stalls at mine pit that could flood small Iron Range town
The Department of Natural Resources said it may have to change its plan to drain the Canisteo Mine Pit because a filter for zebra mussels may not work as designed.
June 4, 2025
Minnesota veterans reflect on the Vietnam War, 50 years later
Even when wars are unpopular, veterans should be honored for their service, Memorial Day speakers said.
May 26, 2025
A mushroom hunting novice hunts for Minnesota’s elusive morel
The Gentleman Forager guides Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Chloe Johnson and others into the world of fungi.
May 16, 2025
Xcel steps up pumping at Monticello nuke plant as radioactive water moves toward Mississippi River
The water is testing close to the EPA’s safety threshold for tritium, but Minnesota agencies say there is no risk to the public.
May 12, 2025