agriculture

Why we need the Groundwater Protection Rule

article

August 1, 2018

What if every MN farm applied fertilizer at the recommended rate?

by Trevor Russell

update

July 17, 2018

At best, “perfect” nutrient management on all of Minnesota’s cropland would reduce nitrate pollution by about 10-15 percent, falling far short of the state’s 45 percent reduction goals to protect our groundwater. >>

Legislators delay MN groundwater protection, Dayton says 'no'

by Trevor Russell

update

June 12, 2018

A new state rule aimed at reducing groundwater contamination by farm fertilizers could be delayed by a legislative move made formal on Monday, June 11. But Gov. Mark Dayton is calling the move unconstitutional and has instructed the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to proceed as planned.

At this time, public hearings about the new and much-needed water protection rule are still on the calendar, including one in Farmington, Monday, July 16. Expect a River Guardians Action Alert this July as well. >>

House votes 69-56 to block state’s Groundwater Protection Rule

update

April 17, 2018

On Monday, April 26, the Minnesota House of Representatives voted 69-56 to pass a bill to block the state’s Groundwater Protection Rule from going into effect without legislative approval.

Gov. Mark Dayton has promised a veto, but the blocking language exists in several other bills, meaning it may yet advance to the governor's desk as part of other legislation. >>

Our letter to the MN House on the Groundwater Protection Rule

update

April 17, 2018

FMR and our allies just sent this letter to the Minnesota House opposing proposed legislation to block our state’s Groundwater Protection Rule. >>

Environmental groups release statement on draft groundwater protection rule

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March 15, 2018

FMR joined eight other conservation organizations in a statement on the state's proposed groundwater protection rule. >>

Governor announces changes to draft Groundwater Protection Rule

update

March 6, 2018

Tuesday, March 6, Gov. Mark Dayton and Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Dave Fredrickson announced revisions to the states proposed groundwater protection rules.

While the final rule language won’t be released for public comment until May, the announcement outlined some major changes to the state’s preliminary draft, with improvements in some areas and major risks to public health and saftey in others. >>