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

House & Senate eye raid on Environment Trust Fund

We have a new leader in the clubhouse for bad ideas this legislative session: The Minnesota House and Senate are looking to raid $47 million from the state’s Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund to pay debt service on bonding projects! >>

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Star Tribune details the Legislature’s White Bear Lake bill

Recommended reading: Check out this well-done Star Tribune article about our Legislature’s effort to suspend a judge’s ruling that requires state and local action to protect groundwater in the north and east metro. >>

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Action alert: Urge 5 changes to MN bonding bill

It's the last week of Minnesota's 2018 legislative session and your support is needed! Ask Gov. Mark Dayton and your legislators to make five changes to the bonding bill to better support clean water and parks. >>

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House & Senate offer $825 million bonding proposals

In January, Gov. Mark Dayton proposed a $1.5 billion capital investment or "bonding" bill. Dubbed the “Jobs Bill,” the package included much-needed investments in Minnesota’s water resources, including drinking water and wastewater infrastructure for communities across the state. >>

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Great news: Governor vetoes wild rice bill!

Gov. Mark Dayton has fulfilled his promise to veto the wild rice bill (HF 3280)!

The bill would have abolished a longstanding state water quality sulfites standard. It would have violated the federal Clean Water Act, inevitably inviting litigation and turmoil into an already challenging situation. >>

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House and Senate move to claim Clean Water Fund money for property tax rebates

Both the House and Senate are moving to use of Clean Water Funds to fund a property tax credit, a clear violation of the Legacy Amendment.  >>

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Water Action Day 2018 a success!

Approximately 750 people joined us at the Capitol to urge legislators and Gov. Mark Dayton to invest in clean water and protect Minnesota's great outdoors. >>

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Help us stop 10 bad water bills at the MN Legislature

Ten bad water bills have been introduced this legislative session that are going to the House and Senate for passage. These bills undermine basic environmental science, roll back existing protections or block public participation in environmental decisions.

Learn more or take action now!

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Chloride reduction bill: Alive and kicking

As we noted in the State of the River Report, chloride or salt pollution is a growing problem for Minnesota's waters. This session, FMR and our allies have been advancing a bill in the Minnesota Legislature to reduce it.

We're happy to report that the bill has garnered bipartisan support. However, it will most likely be wrapped into the House and Senate omnibus bills, making its fate murky at best. >>

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House votes 69-56 to block state’s Groundwater Protection Rule

On Monday, April 26, the Minnesota House of Representatives voted 69-56 to pass a bill to block the state’s Groundwater Protection Rule from going into effect without legislative approval.

Gov. Mark Dayton has promised a veto, but the blocking language exists in several other bills, meaning it may yet advance to the governor's desk as part of other legislation. >>

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 20, 2024 - 9:30am to 12:00pm
West River Parkway and 36th Street/44th Street, Minneapolis
Applications due Friday, May 3 by 5 p.m.
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Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
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