Water

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

From the banks of the Mississippi to the halls of the Legislature, our Water program strives to keep you up to date on important water-quality issues. (For political animals, here are all FMR posts related to legislative advocacy.)

Blog updates are also shared on social (Facebook and Twitter) and in FMR's Mississippi Messages newsletter.

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

POSTS

How the American Rescue Plan could protect your water

by Trevor Russell

April 19, 2021

Did you know the American Rescue Plan specifies that relief funds can be used for water infrastructure? FMR and our allies recently asked Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan to use a portion of Minnesota's ~$2.6 billion in state relief to improve drinking water and water quality statewide through lead service line replacement and other measures. >>

MN House & Senate propose very different environment budgets

by Trevor Russell

April 14, 2021

While the House has proposed a substantial increase in environmental funding, the Senate has proposed significant cuts, despite an overall budget surplus. >>

Competing Clean Water Fund bills move forward in Legislature

by Trevor Russell

April 13, 2021

The Clean Water Fund is designated to protect, enhance and restore water quality in lakes, rivers and streams, as well as protect groundwater. Both the Minnesota Senate and House have authored spending proposals, but they're very different, leaving the fate of our legislative priorities — like clean-water crop funding and lead service line replacement — uncertain. >>

Climate change, climate justice and FMR's Water program

April 10, 2021

Climate change has worsened river flooding and drinking water pollution, making FMR's water program work even more important for climate resilience, adaptation, and justice. Here are some reflections on how our Water program's work intersects with both climate change and climate justice. >>

Action Alert: Support full funding for Forever Green [CLOSED]

March 23, 2021

FMR's top priority for the 2021 legislative session is full funding for Forever Green, our state's most important sustainable agriculture program. Please take a moment to ask key committee members to fully fund Forever Green. >>

FMR to MN Environmental Quality Board: Include climate change in environmental review

by Trevor Russell

March 22, 2021

On Monday, FMR submitted written comments to the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board in support of their draft recommendations on integrating climate change into the state's environmental review process. Here's what we said. >>

Minnesota landfills are leaching 'forever chemicals'

by Peter LaFontaine

March 22, 2021

PFAS — so-called "forever chemicals" — have been found across the state. Here's what you need to know. >>

Mississippi River dog destinations: Our favorite spots and tips

by Peter LaFontaine

March 10, 2021

Can a person's best friend be a friend of the river? Meet our dogs, learn about their favorite river spots, and get tips on how to be mindful of water and wildlife while out and about with your four-legged friends. >>

Legislation to support Forever Green clean-water crops advances

by Peter LaFontaine

March 8, 2021

The Forever Green Initiative is at an inflection point, making funding for progress on clean-water crops crucial this cycle. So far, legislation has advanced through key agricultural committees in both the House and Senate with bipartisan support. What's next? >>

Minnesota's new budget forecast redefines legislative session

by Trevor Russell

March 5, 2021

Last November's projected state budget deficit turned into a projected $1.6 billion surplus. What does that mean for clean water, soil health and other environmental issues this legislative session? >>