Water Gremlin: How lead sinkers harm people too
The state’s sudden closure of the troubled Water Gremlin facility (known for producing lead fishing sinkers and battery terminals) casts new light on a little-discussed risk of lead products: “take-home lead.” >>
Star Tribune highlights link between pheasant decline and farming
How we farm impacts the Mississippi River — and bird populations. We can help them both. >>
The end of ethanol: Future-proofing Minnesota’s cropland
The electric vehicle transition will happen, and it has huge implications for American farms (not to mention opportunities for water quality). In the electrified world of 2050, demand for corn ethanol will have plummeted, and the agricultural economy will be nothing like the one you know today. If we invest in innovative clean-water crops now, we can improve the long-term outlook for our state’s rural economic prosperity and for our river. >>
Global action on hybrid and electric vehicle commitments
We're tracking the transition to electric vehicles because moving away from ethanol production has major implications for agriculture and therefore water quality. Here's a very brief summary of recent local and global commitments towards electric vehicle incentives, requirements and production goals. >>
Stormwater's hidden perils
As our climate changes and water infrastructure ages, the challenges of water management are becoming more severe. Ultimately, our changing climate means that Minnesota faces more — and more powerful — storms, leading to sewage emergencies, mega-storms, sandbagged lake houses and twelve billion-dollar price tags. >>
MPR: UN study says don’t worry about microplastics in drinking water – much
Minnesota Public Radio recently highlighted a World Health Organization study on microplastics in drinking water. The conclusion: “…levels of microplastics in drinking water don't appear to be risky, but that research has been spotty and more is needed into their effects on the environment and health.” >>
What's in a storm drain stenciling kit?
Looking to do some good for the Mississippi River, but need a flexible schedule? FMR offers complete do-it-yourself St. Paul storm drain stenciling kits for groups of two to 20, spring through fall.
Learn more in this video with FMR stenciling coordinator Daurius Mikroberts as he walks you through the kit's ingredients, or learn more on our stenciling kits page.
Join us for MN Water Action Day • April 10, 2019
Join us for Water Action Day 2019, a day of public action and advocacy to let lawmakers know we care about our water! #ProtectOurWater >>
Looking ahead to the 2019 legislature
Minnesota’s 2019 legislative session is about to begin! A new governor and House await, and FMR and our partners have some exciting new priorities. Here's a brief overview of what FMR and our allies will advocate for, who we'll work with, and how you can help. >>
Our MinnPost commentary on the Environmental Trust Fund Raid
MinnPost recently published a commentary by FMR Executive Director Whitney Clark and Fresh Energy Executive Director Michael Noble on why we initiated a lawsuit against the State of Minnesota. >>