Reporter | Environment

Bjorhus previously covered a range of topics for major metro newspapers, including the Seattle Times and San Jose Mercury News. She lives in St. Paul with her husband, Ranjit, and has two sons and a cat.


Farmers, gas stations sue Gov. Tim Walz over Minnesota 'clean car' rule

Cutting demand for gasoline and liquid fuels will hurt Minnesota businesses, plaintiffs argue.


How recyclers defuse the climate bomb inside your old refrigerator

As the U.S. phases down a climate super-pollutant in refrigerants, the EPA is developing new regulations to catch more of the gases before they escape into the atmosphere.


Minnesota will restrict snare and leghold traps to protect rare Canada lynx in Arrowhead

The decision settles a lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity but was opposed by trapper groups.


Here's how you can reduce salt use on your icy sidewalk

Sanding, scraping and sweeping will all help reduce salt runoff into lakes.


'Low Salt, No Salt Minnesota' targets private contractors

New initiative is aimed at those who weren't getting the message about reducing salt use on icy pavements to fight water pollution: private property owners.


Minnesota's greenhouse gas emissions show steep drop

The disruption of the pandemic contributed to that decline, but officials said factors go beyond that.


Minnesota auto dealers lose court fight with state pollution regulators over 'clean car' rule

Industry group likely to ask state Supreme Court to hear the case.


'Carbon Express' pipeline runs into skepticism in Minnesota farm country

A massive project to store climate-harming emissions from ethanol plants hinges on landowners.


Maverick Minnesota lawyers looking for wastewater polluters target cities, businesses

A law firm that has targeted hundreds of businesses over violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act has a new focus: water pollution.


New honeybee vaccine gets little buzz from Minnesota bee community

The USDA has approved the first-ever vaccine for honeybees. But Minnesota's beekeepers say their troubles are bigger.