Minnesota updates list of impaired waters for 2022
As required by the federal Clean Water Act, Minnesota creates a list of impaired waters — those that fail to meet water quality standards — every two years. For the draft 2022 list, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is adding 305 water bodies with 417 new impairments. >>
Can we make Minnesota's drinking water lead-free?
Everyone deserves clean, safe drinking water. Unfortunately, though lead was banned for plumbing in 1986, existing lead pipes remain a threat in Minnesota. FMR is working with our partners to advance three emerging opportunities to fund lead service line replacement. >>
State announces new pilot program to include climate change in environmental review
In September, the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board approved a pilot project that will — for the first time — assess the climate impacts of some of Minnesota’s largest projects. Here’s what this long-overdue decision means for Minnesota’s efforts to address climate impacts on our environment, including the Mississippi River. >>
Why it's time for a new federal river program (MRRRI) that supports farmers
When it comes to agriculture, the proposed Mississippi River Restoration & Resilience Initiative would help farmers improve soil, enhance water quality, reduce nutrient loss and boost profitability — goals policymakers of all stripes should agree with. >>
2021 Legislative session wrap-up
Here’s where major water-related environmental bills and issues stand at the long-delayed conclusion of the 2021 legislative session, including future water train proposals, PFAS and more. >>
Groups join the call to create a new federal program to protect the Mississippi River
More than 65 organizations are backing the Mississippi River Restoration & Resilience Initiative or MRRRI Act introduced to Congress in June. Find out why the MRRRI Act merits its broad support. >>
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency commissioner resigns
Only July 6, the Senate convened and informed the governor that they would vote to deny confirmation for Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner Laura Bishop, due to the agency’s support for the Clean Cars Minnesota rulemaking process. In response, Commissioner Bishop announced her resignation shortly thereafter. >>
The clock runs out on the Minnesota Legislature
On the final day of the 2021 legislative session, lawmakers agreed to a $52 billion two-year state budget, but the clock ran out before they could pass any meaningful legislation. Here’s where major water-related environmental bills stand as we prepare for a special session. >>
Who farms in MN? What the ag census tells us about MN agriculture
As we work to transition our croplands toward more water-friendly systems, it’s important to examine how the ag sector reinforces systematic inequities that disproportionally impact low-income farmers and people of color — so we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. >>
MN Senate says: It's clean cars or state parks, not both
Earlier this week, the environmental debate at the Legislature crescendoed when the Senate threatened to block the entire Omnibus Environment Bill if Gov. Walz doesn't agree to repeal the Minnesota Pollution Control Agencies’ existing authority to regulate auto emissions. >>