Legislative Updates

Projected $1.3B state surplus could be good news for clean water

by Trevor Russell

update

December 5, 2019

In a delightful bit of news, the State of Minnesota’s December 2019 budget forecast estimates a $1.3 billion preliminary budget surplus for 2020.

While sure to ignite debates regarding both new investments and planned tax cuts during the 2020 Legislative session, this could bode well for much-needed clean water funding. >>

Gov. Tim Walz forms climate sub-cabinet

by Peter LaFontaine

update

December 5, 2019

Minnesota is falling short of meeting its climate change goals. A new government initiative seeks to re-energize state efforts and build momentum toward a better future. >>

Legislative Water Commission revived with a new name

by Trevor Russell

update

July 18, 2019

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! >>

MN's groundbreaking Groundwater Protection Rule goes into effect

by Trevor Russell

update

July 15, 2019

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. >>

Downstream damage

by Peter LaFontaine

article

July 10, 2019

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. >>

Legislative Water Commission stuck in 'government purgatory'

by Trevor Russell

update

June 12, 2019

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

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

by Trevor Russell

update

May 29, 2019

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. >>