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. >>
Water and Legislative Updates Blog
FMR is proud to be a leading voice to protect the water of our Big River, and all the people and wildlife who depend on it.
Our Water program and Legislative updates strive to keep you up to date on important water-quality issues, from the banks of the Mississippi to the halls of the Legislature. (For political animals, here's a legislative-content-only version.)
Blog updates are also shared on social (Facebook and Twitter) and in FMR's Mississippi Messages newsletter.
Join us! Sign up to be a River Guardian to receive email action alerts when we need your help the most, plus invitations to educational happy hours and other events.
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. >>
May 17, 2021
The flagship "clean-water crop" delivers tremendous value in reducing water pollution, reports the Star Tribune. >>
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. >>
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. >>
May 5, 2021
Ask your legislators to support fully funding Forever Green and to oppose unconstitutional raids on the Clean Water Fund. >>
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. >>
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. >>
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. >>
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. >>