Legislative Update

How will our recent elections impact the Mississippi River? Here's our preliminary take.  >>

On October 15, the Minnesota Legislature achieved a breakthrough for the state’s economy and public health with the passage of a $1.8 billion bonding bill that includes more than $302 million for water infrastructure supported by FMR as part of the Fix the Pipes MN alliance. Sadly, it also includes a project we strongly oppose: the Upper Harbor Terminal concert venue in Minneapolis. >>

You know we're serious about clean-water crops like Kernza, but we're also pretty serious about baked goods. Check out the entries and cast your vote in our virtual bake-off by the end of October.  >>

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. >>