Minnesotans are urged to speak up about the environment at Citizen Forums

What do clean water, the economy, energy and the health of our environment all have in common?

These topics will be discussed by Minnesotans this month and next at six Citizen Forums around the state. The forums, free and open to the public, will afford Minnesotans an opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns. State leaders will consider the citizen input next March at a Minnesota Environmental Congress summit, where they will begin to plan a blueprint for Minnesotas environmental and economic future. (For more information about the Minnesota Environmental Congress, visit MN.gov.)

The Minnesota Environmental Congress and the Citizens Forums leading up to it are the result of Governor Daytons Executive Order 11-32. To assess Minnesotas progress toward clean air, water and energy, the Environmental Quality Board is convening the Citizen Forums around the state to engage citizens in constructive dialogue, identify environmental challenges, and define a vision for Minnesotas environmental future.

Here are the locations, dates and times for the six regional Citizens Forums:

• Rochester: Nov. 27, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon at Wood Lake Meeting Center
• Bloomington: Nov. 27, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. at Normandale Community College
• Duluth: Nov. 28, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Lake Superior College
• Worthington: Dec. 10, 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. at Worthington High School
• St. Cloud: Dec. 12, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Stearns County Service Center
• Moorhead: Dec. 14, 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. at Minnesota State University

Mississippi river lovers are encouraged to come out and be heard at the Citizens Forums. This is our state and our future, and every voice matters.

For more information about the Citizens Forums and to indicate your intention to attend, visit MN.gov. If you have questions, call Anna Sherman at 651-201-6607 or send a message to anna.sherman@state.mn.us.

This project is a collaboration of Governor Dayton, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Department of Commerce, Minnesota Department of Administration, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Department of Energy and Economic Development, Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the Board of Soil and Water Resources.