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

MN Senate says: It's clean cars or state parks, not both

Earlier this week, the environmental debate at the Legislature crescendoed when the Senate threatened to block the entire Omnibus Environment Bill if Gov. Walz doesn't agree to repeal the Minnesota Pollution Control Agencies’ existing authority to regulate auto emissions.  >>

Read more
Action Alert: Legacy Bill – Support Forever Green & oppose unconstitutional raids [CLOSED]

Ask your legislators to support fully funding Forever Green and to oppose unconstitutional raids on the Clean Water Fund. >>

Read more
FMR supports call to ramp up federal ag conservation assistance

FMR is proud to be part of a broad coalition of 133 conservation, farmer and rancher, wildlife and other groups urging the leadership of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate agriculture committees to ensure the forthcoming infrastructure package includes robust funding for Farm Bill conservation programs and farmer assistance. >>

Read more
Action Alert: Support the House Environment and Natural Resources Omnibus bill [CLOSED]

The Minnesota House of Representatives is about to take up one of the most important pieces of pro-environment legislation in recent memory. This bill will limit pollution, improve human health, protect our drinking water supply, restore ecosystems, prevent further environmental injustice and address the climate crisis. Act now to ensure its passage. >>

Read more
Our letter on the Senate's controversial environment omnibus bill

Earlier this week, the Minnesota Senate's Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Omnibus Bill includes some helpful provisions, but also includes cuts to state environmental agencies, a package of policy rollbacks, and a raid on a constitutionally dedicated environmental fund.  >>

Read more
How the American Rescue Plan could protect your water

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.  >>

Read more
MN House & Senate propose very different environment budgets

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

Read more
Competing Clean Water Fund bills move forward in Legislature

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.  >>

Read more
Climate change, climate justice and FMR's Water program

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.  >>

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

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. >>

Read more

Pages

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Friends of the Mississippi River office in St. Paul
This school year
In your classroom or outside
Saturday, January 18, 2025 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Rosemount Wildlife Preserve and North 20 Brewing, Rosemount