What a 1,000-year rainstorm really means
Heavy rains and flash flooding in Minnesota and Wisconsin have been making headlines. But what is a "100-year" or even a "1,000-year" storm? >>
Legislators delay MN groundwater protection, Dayton says 'no'
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. >>
State approves $15 million for big N Mpls. river project
The 2018 Minnesota legislative session resulted in very good news for a 48-acre riverfront site in North Minneapolis known as the Upper Harbor Terminal. An influx of $15 million state dollars will help kickstart its redevelopment into housing, offices, stores, restaurants, an amphitheater, parks and trails. >>
How our environment and the Mississippi River fared this legislative session
While many of the most troubling bills and provisions were eventually defeated this Minnesota legislative session, a mixed bag of stand-alone items were passed and signed into law. ...And, oh yeah, the Legislature unnecessarily raided $98 million from the state’s voter-approved Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund.. >>
What got funded in the final bonding bill
Gov. Dayton has signed the Legislature's 2018 bonding bill.
The governor used a line-item veto to remove one controversial provision but (reluctantly) approved the rest of the bill — including an unprecedented $98 million raid of the state’s Environmental Trust Fund.
Here’s a summary of what got funded, what got line-item vetoed and what got raided. >>
How clean water crops fared this session
Here’s how Working Lands and Forever Green legislation fared this session.
How chloride legislation fared this session
One of the most promising pro-environment legislative initiatives this session was about reducing chloride (salt) pollution. Here's how chloride legislation fared this session.
Gov. Dayton signs off on Enviro Trust Fund raid!
In a major defeat for Minnesota's environment, Gov. Dayton has signed off on the legislature's $98 million of the state’s Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund to pay for debt on state bonds.
How the local pre-emption bills for plastics fared this session
One bill stalled, the other passed in the tax bill that was vetoed by Gov. Dayton.