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. >>
Our letter on the Senate's controversial environment omnibus bill
Earlier this week, the Minnesota Senate's Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Omnibus Bill includes some helpful provisions, but also includes cuts to state environmental agencies, a package of policy rollbacks, and a raid on a constitutionally dedicated environmental fund. >>
How the American Rescue Plan could protect your water
Did you know the American Rescue Plan specifies that relief funds can be used for water infrastructure? FMR and our allies recently asked Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan to use a portion of Minnesota's ~$2.6 billion in state relief to improve drinking water and water quality statewide through lead service line replacement and other measures. >>
MN House & Senate propose very different environment budgets
While the House has proposed a substantial increase in environmental funding, the Senate has proposed significant cuts, despite an overall budget surplus. >>
Competing Clean Water Fund bills move forward in Legislature
The Clean Water Fund is designated to protect, enhance and restore water quality in lakes, rivers and streams, as well as protect groundwater. Both the Minnesota Senate and House have authored spending proposals, but they're very different, leaving the fate of our legislative priorities — like clean-water crop funding and lead service line replacement — uncertain. >>
FMR to MN Environmental Quality Board: Include climate change in environmental review
On Monday, FMR submitted written comments to the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board in support of their draft recommendations on integrating climate change into the state's environmental review process. Here's what we said. >>
Minnesota's new budget forecast redefines legislative session
Last November's projected state budget deficit turned into a projected $1.6 billion surplus. What does that mean for clean water, soil health and other environmental issues this legislative session? >>
