Updates and Articles

How our environment and the Mississippi River fared during the 2018 legislative session

While many of the most troubling bills and provisions were eventually defeated this Minnesota legislative session, a mixed bag of stand-alone items were passed and signed into law. ...And, oh yeah, the Legislature unnecessarily raided $98 million from the state’s voter-approved Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund.. >>

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What got funded in the final 2018 bonding bill

Gov. Dayton has signed the Legislature's 2018 bonding bill.

The governor used a line-item veto to remove one controversial provision but (reluctantly) approved the rest of the bill — including an unprecedented $98 million raid of the state’s Environmental Trust Fund.

Here’s a summary of what got funded, what got line-item vetoed and what got raided. >>

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How clean water crops fared this session

Here’s how Working Lands and Forever Green legislation fared this session.

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How chloride legislation fared this session

One of the most promising pro-environment legislative initiatives this session was about reducing chloride (salt) pollution. Here's how chloride legislation fared this session.

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Gov. Dayton signs off on Enviro Trust Fund raid!

In a major defeat for Minnesota's environment, Gov. Dayton has signed off on the legislature's $98 million of the state’s Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund to pay for debt on state bonds.

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How the local pre-emption bills for plastics fared this session

One bill stalled, the other passed in the tax bill that was vetoed by Gov. Dayton.
 

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Gov. Dayton vetoes wild rice bill

FMR, along with 26 other conservation, tribal and outdoor recreation organizations, recently wrote a letter to Gov. Dayton asking him to veto this controversial bill. On Thursday, May 30th, Gov. Dayton vetoed the wild rice bill! >>

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#Omnibus Prime vetoed: Massive supplemental budget & policy bill goes down

Gov. Mark Dayton has vetoed the Legislature’s massive multi-subject budget and policy bill due, in part, to environmental concerns. >>

 

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How groundwater and drinking water fared this session

Protecting drinking water and groundwater must be a top priority for Minnesota, and citizens expect this of their state government. Sadly, the legislative session has come and gone with no progress to show for it, paired with a threat to delay the state’s Groundwater Protection Rule.

This session, five major bills were introduced that (for better or worse) addressed groundwater and drinking water-related topics. >>

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Upcoming Events

Now through December 31, 2025
Mississippi River National River and Recreation Area, Twin Cities metro
Dec. 31, 2025 is the last day to give
Capacity-building campaign for the future of the river
Thursday, January 15, 2026 - rally 5:45 p.m., meeting 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Highland Park Community Center, 1978 Ford Pkwy, St. Paul

Our River Campaign:
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At the heart of this new campaign is the vision of a healthy Mississippi River.