Projected $1.3B state surplus could be good news for clean water
In a delightful bit of news, the State of Minnesota’s December 2019 budget forecast estimates a $1.3 billion preliminary budget surplus for 2020.
While sure to ignite debates regarding both new investments and planned tax cuts during the 2020 Legislative session, this could bode well for much-needed clean water funding. >>
More than half of Minnesota’s waters don’t meet water quality standards
Every two years, the state publishes a list of “impaired” waters that do not meet water quality standards. This year’s list shows that 56% of Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and streams fail to meet standards. >>
Strommen says 'no' to shipping Dakota County groundwater to Colorado
The alarming prospect of a for-profit company mining our groundwater for sale out of state is deeply troubling and could leave public and private wells high and dry here at home. We're grateful for the leadership of Sarah Strommen, the head of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and former FMR board member, in derailing this proposal. >>
Water Gremlin: How lead sinkers harm people too
The state’s sudden closure of the troubled Water Gremlin facility (known for producing lead fishing sinkers and battery terminals) casts new light on a little-discussed risk of lead products: “take-home lead.” >>
Lead shot takes the spotlight as FMR petitions state
As fall hunting season arrives, lead shot and tackle is once again in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Why? Because lead rounds can kill twice. >>
Star Tribune highlights link between pheasant decline and farming
How we farm impacts the Mississippi River — and bird populations. We can help them both. >>
The end of ethanol: Future-proofing Minnesota’s cropland
The electric vehicle transition will happen, and it has huge implications for American farms (not to mention opportunities for water quality). In the electrified world of 2050, demand for corn ethanol will have plummeted, and the agricultural economy will be nothing like the one you know today. If we invest in innovative clean-water crops now, we can improve the long-term outlook for our state’s rural economic prosperity and for our river. >>
Global action on hybrid and electric vehicle commitments
We're tracking the transition to electric vehicles because moving away from ethanol production has major implications for agriculture and therefore water quality. Here's a very brief summary of recent local and global commitments towards electric vehicle incentives, requirements and production goals. >>
MPR: UN study says don’t worry about microplastics in drinking water – much
Minnesota Public Radio recently highlighted a World Health Organization study on microplastics in drinking water. The conclusion: “…levels of microplastics in drinking water don't appear to be risky, but that research has been spotty and more is needed into their effects on the environment and health.” >>
State research offers fresh look at a troubled Minnesota River
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency recently released a series of reports, studies and plans addressing water contamination in the Minnesota River, the biggest tributary to the Mississippi in our state. It looks like the river is in need of some big changes if we're to meet our state's water quality goals. >>