Legislative Update

As noted in a recent MPR News story, Minnesota farm operators will no longer be allowed to apply nitrogen fertilizer in the fall or on frozen ground above Minnesota’s most vulnerable aquifers. While that means cleaner drinking water for many Minnesotans, this rule alone won't solve our nitrate pollution problems.  >>

The Star Tribune recently covered a report that underscores the connection between water quality and the need to alter what we plant in Minnesota's farm fields. But this report wasn't issued by the usual suspects — now the state is actively calling for profitable clean-water crops.  >>

The Minnesota Supreme Court made headlines as it acted to protect not only the metro's second-largest lake but Minnesotans' ability to sue a state agency based on its cumulative environmental impact. >>

A smaller-than-average Gulf of Mexico dead zone is cause for celebration — isn't it?  >>

Fiona, a summer Youth Empowerment Program participant, wants you to get involved in legislative action for clean water and the environment. Here's her account of the impact of recent environmental legislation, the possibility for critical change this year and in the future, and how you can influence policy.  >>

On the heels of a regular session and first special session that failed to live up to expectations, Minnesota legislators have wrapped up a second special session with what could generously be considered “mixed results." See how FMR's priorities fared. >>
 

A recent story from Minnesota Public Radio shines a light on some unexpected (and unnerving) new findings. Even in Minnesota’s relatively remote and pristine lakes, researchers are finding human-made contaminants of concern.  >>

Pristine lakes in remote parts of Minnesota — and around the country — are beginning to suffer from blooms of toxic algae, and scientists are piecing together a troubling answer as to why.  >>