Legislative Updates

FMR is proud to be a leading voice in protecting the Mississippi River and all the people and wildlife who depend on it. 

Join us! Sign up to be a River Guardian to receive email action alerts when the river needs your help, plus invitations to educational happy hours and other events.

Legislative Updates
Legislative Water Commission revived with a new name

Last month, we lamented one of the more unusual results of the 2019 Legislative session: The administrative purgatory of the Legislative Water Commission. This month, we’ve got some great news!  >>

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MN's groundbreaking Groundwater Protection Rule goes into effect

After decades of delay, Minnesota’s Groundwater Protection Rule aims to protect public health by addressing fertilizer contamination in groundwater. This is the first time our state has exercised its regulatory authority over cropland agriculture to protect water quality. >>

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Downstream damage

Scientists predict the formation of an enormous dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico this summer, and some of the blame lies right here in Minnesota. Find out what links us to an ocean half a continent away, and how we can help.  >>

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Legislative Water Commission stuck in 'government purgatory'

A surprising split-decision has left the Legislative Water Commission with an uncertain future. >>

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It's a wrap. How FMR’s priorities fared in the 2019 session

The 2019 Legislative Session kicked on in January with Governor Walz presiding over the only divided state legislature in the nation.

This led to some core disagreements, missed deadlines and an assorted bag of victories and compromises for Minnesota's environment and the Mississippi River.

Here’s a brief summary of the major items we were tracking, and how each turned out. >>

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How the Environment Bill fared this session

Overall, the legislative session resulted in modest additional funding for some of our top priorities while many of the worst provisions were dropped. Along with our allies, we are deeply grateful to the FMR River Guardians who consistently demonstrated their strong support for the river and healthy lands and waters for all Minnesota communities. Learn more about which FMR priorities made it, which did not, and where we go from here.  >>

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How the Clean Water Fund fared this session

The bipartisan Omnibus Legacy Bill was passed during the Special Session and includes $261.26 million for the Clean Water Fund. Here’s what was included in the final version. >>

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Upcoming Events

Tuesday, July 30, 2024 - 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Rotary Pavilion at Levee Park, Hastings
Saturday, August 3, 2024 - 9:00am to 2:00pm
Mississippi River Gorge, Minneapolis
New date: Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Hidden Falls Regional Park, St. Paul