Legislative Updates

FMR advocates call on MN to protect our drinking water!

by Trevor Russell

update

August 16, 2018

Hat’s off to FMR’s advocates! On August 15, FMR staff hand-delivered 226 comments from River Guardians and other advocates calling on the state to both implement and improve a new state rule to protect our groundwater. >>

Why we need the Groundwater Protection Rule

article

August 1, 2018

Minnesota's 1989 Groundwater Protection Act directs the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to prevent groundwater pollution from cropland. To solve this problem, the agency is now proposing new rules to address nitrate contamination in public and private wells. Overall, these rules are needed and reasonable. But there are several flaws that need to be addressed to keep Minnesotans safe and healthy. Read more

Legislators delay MN groundwater protection, Dayton says 'no'

by Trevor Russell

update

June 12, 2018

A new state rule aimed at reducing groundwater contamination by farm fertilizers could be delayed by a legislative move made formal on Monday, June 11. But Gov. Mark Dayton is calling the move unconstitutional and has instructed the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to proceed as planned.

At this time, public hearings about the new and much-needed water protection rule are still on the calendar, including one in Farmington, Monday, July 16. Expect a River Guardians Action Alert this July as well. >>

State approves $15 million for big N Mpls. river project

by Alicia Uzarek

update

June 5, 2018

The 2018 Minnesota legislative session resulted in very good news for a 48-acre riverfront site in North Minneapolis known as the Upper Harbor Terminal. An influx of $15 million state dollars will help kickstart its redevelopment into housing, offices, stores, restaurants, an amphitheater, parks and trails. >>

How our environment and the Mississippi River fared during the 2018 legislative session

by Trevor Russell

update

June 4, 2018

While many of the most troubling bills and provisions were eventually defeated this Minnesota legislative session, a mixed bag of stand-alone items were passed and signed into law. ...And, oh yeah, the Legislature unnecessarily raided $98 million from the state’s voter-approved Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund.. >>

What got funded in the final 2018 bonding bill

by Trevor Russell

update

May 31, 2018

Gov. Dayton has signed the Legislature's 2018 bonding bill.

The governor used a line-item veto to remove one controversial provision but (reluctantly) approved the rest of the bill — including an unprecedented $98 million raid of the state’s Environmental Trust Fund.

Here’s a summary of what got funded, what got line-item vetoed and what got raided. >>