Happening

Toxic PFAS contamination jeopardizes the health of Minnesotans throughout the state. This "forever chemical" is found in a wide variety of products in our homes and workplaces, and in our water and soil. Today, Policy Director Nels Paulsen presented the Minnesota House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee with the following letter of support for bills that would help protect our communities from chemical exposure by creating safeguards to mitigate the effects of PFAS.

Yesterday the Minnesota House passed the 100% Clean Energy by 2040 bill, House File 7. “The Minnesota House of Representatives brought us one step closer to our biggest action ever to address the climate crisis. This historic piece of legislation will expand our economy, reduce dangerous pollution, and protect our Great Outdoors for future generations,” said Paul Austin, Executive Director of Conservation Minnesota.

News from the Crew is newsletter for our youth program, Conservation Crew. Here's what the Crews are up to, midway through the program's second year.

Only weeks into Minnesota’s legislative session, excitement is growing around what we can accomplish for the environment in 2023. With the help of new leadership, we are on the path to passing 100% clean energy goals, investing in climate safe infrastructure, and creating a future all Minnesotans can enjoy. 

Today, Policy Director Nels Paulsen presented the Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee with the following letter of support for the passing of HF 24. This bill would protect public health and remove every lead service line in Minnesota by 2033.

Passing 100% Clean Energy by 2040 will help migrate the impacts of climate change and create a safe climate for generations to come. Today, Policy Director Nels Paulsen presented the House Climate and Energy Finance and Policy Committee with the following letter of support for the passing of HF 7. This bill would get us on the path to 100% and keep Minnesota leading in clean energy.

The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) plays a key role in protecting our Great Outdoors for future Minnesotans. Today, Policy Director Nels Paulsen presented the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee with the following letter of support for the passing of HF172. This bill would support critical funding for conservation projects across the state. 

Conservation Minnesota has long supported The Board of Water & Soil Resources’ (BWSR) Lawns to Legumes program. Today, Policy Director Nels Paulsen presented the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee with a letter of support for the passing of a bill that would help combat population decline by creating new pollinator habitats. Read it here.

Minnesota is home to hundreds of species of plants and animals that are endangered, threatened, or of special concern. The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would be the largest investment in wildlife conservation in a generation. Congress needs to pass the the Act before the end of the year—voice your support!

Minnesotans understand that pollution, wildlife, and water doesn’t stop at the border, so we recently advocated for the permanent protection of Ave Kwa Ame (Av-VEE kwa-meh), home to Spirit Mountain in Nevada, an area that’s vital to many Indigenous tribes. At the White House Tribal Nations Summit last Wednesday, the Biden Administration announced a commitment to designate up to 450,000 acres as the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument.