Water

FMR is proud to be a leading voice in protecting the water of our Big River and all the people and wildlife who depend on it.

From the banks of the Mississippi to the halls of the Legislature, our Water program strives to keep you up to date on important water-quality issues. (For political animals, here are all FMR posts related to legislative advocacy.)

Updates are also shared on social (Facebook and Instagram) and in FMR's Mississippi Messages newsletter.

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POSTS

The clock runs out on the Minnesota Legislature

by Trevor Russell

May 19, 2021

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

by Trevor Russell

May 19, 2021

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. >>

Kernza pays off for MN water supplies

by Peter LaFontaine

May 17, 2021

The flagship "clean-water crop" delivers tremendous value in reducing water pollution, reports the Star Tribune. >>

Action Alert: Environment Bill – Support Conservation & the Environmental Trust Fund [CLOSED]

May 11, 2021

The fate of this year's environment bill will be decided in the coming weeks. Please send a quick message to your lawmakers to support environmental funding, support the Environmental Trust Fund and oppose policy rollbacks in the final bill. >>

MN Senate says: It's clean cars or state parks, not both

by Trevor Russell

May 6, 2021

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. >>

Action Alert: Legacy Bill – Support Forever Green & oppose unconstitutional raids [CLOSED]

May 5, 2021

Ask your legislators to support fully funding Forever Green and to oppose unconstitutional raids on the Clean Water Fund. >>

FMR supports call to ramp up federal ag conservation assistance

April 29, 2021

FMR is proud to be part of a broad coalition of 133 conservation, farmer and rancher, wildlife and other groups urging the leadership of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate agriculture committees to ensure the forthcoming infrastructure package includes robust funding for Farm Bill conservation programs and farmer assistance. >>

Action Alert: Support the House Environment and Natural Resources Omnibus bill [CLOSED]

April 21, 2021

The Minnesota House of Representatives is about to take up one of the most important pieces of pro-environment legislation in recent memory. This bill will limit pollution, improve human health, protect our drinking water supply, restore ecosystems, prevent further environmental injustice and address the climate crisis. Act now to ensure its passage. >>

Our letter on the Senate's controversial environment omnibus bill

by Trevor Russell

April 20, 2021

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

by Trevor Russell

April 19, 2021

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. >>