Legislative Updates

How the Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund fared this session

by Trevor Russell

update

May 19, 2020

After FMR advocates and coalition partners stopped an attempted raid, the House and Senate passed relatively "clean" Environmental Trust Fund bills, but the clock ran out on final negotiations and no final vote was taken. >>

Star Tribune commentary: Don't let environmental funding fall prey to political games

by Trevor Russell

update

May 12, 2020

The recent commentary calls on the Legislature to drop a controversial “poison pill” provision that is blocking the use of an important dedicated environmental fund in Minnesota. >>

It's time to fix the pipes, Minnesota!

by Trevor Russell

update

May 11, 2020

For our environment and our economy, it's time to invest in Minnesota's aging water treatment systems and wastewater plants.

We're proud to be part of a new coalition of business, environment, local government and trade groups asking our state to #FixthePipesMN this session. Learn more and take action. >>

MN Senate takes aim at environment and public's right to know

by Trevor Russell

update

May 8, 2020

Things we can't escape: death, taxes, and our Minnesota Senate majority trying to roll back environmental protections. This year, they've even brought back a groundwater "gag rule." Let's dive in and take action. >>

Revised 2020 state budget outlook casts a shadow on environmental funding

by Trevor Russell

update

May 7, 2020

A few months ago, Minnesota was looking at a sizable budget surplus. Now we've got a projected $2.4 billion deficit. What does that mean for clean water funding this legislative session? >>

This is not the time to bench MN's Environmental Trust Fund

by Trevor Russell

update

April 27, 2020

It’s frustratingly familiar territory with a scary new twist: A recent attempt to raid the 2020 Environment Trust Fund threatens to cancel the entire $64M allocation this year — hurting all the research and habitat restoration projects and jobs it supports throughout the state. Let’s dive in. >>

Still on the table this legislative session: Bonding for clean water and our river corridor

by Trevor Russell

update

April 13, 2020

While uncertainty reigns supreme this legislative session, $300 million or more in clean water investments and a few pivotal river corridor projects remain in play as the governor and legislators approach a May 18th adjournment deadline. >>