With hope for our collective future
During the last week of summer, my neighborhood was rocked by the tragic mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School & Church. Just two years ago, my daughter was a student there. Now, friends, neighbors, and an entire community are forever changed by a senseless act of violence.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, I have been struck by the powerful role that hope, and the biblical quote that is the motto for this school year, has played in helping people, both individually and together, to find paths toward healing and supporting each other. That quote from the book of Jeremiah: “A future filled with hope."
Now as I drive past Annunciation on my way to work each day, I see the illuminated words “a future filled with hope,” and I am reminded why I started working at Conservation Minnesota over 20 years ago. It was with the hope of building a future where my own children could have clean water to drink, clean air to breathe, and the opportunity to live the peace and joy that Minnesota’s amazing outdoors can provide.
The words remind me of how far we have come and what is possible when we work together. We have done big things and together we can do more. They make me grateful that you are a partner in building our better future together. And they ask me what I will do today to turn that hope into reality.
So, let’s take this moment to celebrate how far we have come and envision where we are headed. I am excited to see what is possible as we build “a future filled with hope” together.
—Paul Austin, Executive Director
A proven record of progress
When progress feels slow, it helps to see how far we’ve come—together. Each milestone represents real change, achieved through the passion and partnership of Minnesotans like you. These are the game changers that are shaping a more hopeful future for all Minnesotans.
Legacy Amendment & Lottery Renewal
In 2008, Minnesotans passed the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Amendment—the largest state conservation funding package in US history, providing billions for water, habitat, parks, and the arts.
In 2024, Minnesotans renewed the Lottery Amendment, securing 25 more years of critical conservation funding to protect our Great Outdoors.
These funds are cornerstones of the legacy we’re building together—to protect the wild places, clean waters, and beloved species that define our state.
Amara’s Law & banning toxic chemicals
Minnesota has led the nation in banning harmful chemicals that endanger our families, firefighters, and natural resources:
- Banned BPA in baby bottles (2009)
- Ended toxic flame retardants (2015, 2019)
- Achieved the first state ban on TCE (2019)
- Led the nation with PFAS bans in food packaging (2021) and consumer products—Amara’s Law (2023)
100% Clean Energy Standard
In 2023, Minnesotans helped secure the 100% Clean Energy Standard—requiring all utilities to produce carbon-free electricity by 2040. This landmark law makes clean, affordable energy the standard for everyone.
The Packaging Act
In 2024, we passed the Packaging Waste & Cost Reduction Act, making Minnesota the fifth state to hold manufacturers accountable for packaging waste. By 2032, all packaging must be reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
The next chapter
These victories remind us what’s possible when Minnesotans come together. Now, it’s time to build on that momentum and write the next chapter of our shared story.
Imagine your favorite place in Minnesota. Now imagine it’s protected for your grandchildren’s children. Imagine a future where you can fill your glass directly from the tap and drink with confidence. Where you can swim and fish at your favorite lake without worry. Where energy comes from the unending sun and the limitless wind, landfills are hardly necessary, and composting and recycling is effortless. We can build this together.
Together, we can create the Minnesota we all deserve
The first step to making progress is imagining a better future. Then we bolster our visions with hope. And we back up that hope with the actions it takes to finish the job. In the coming year we’ll be working toward:
Tap water you can trust
We will advocate for the funds needed to remove Minnesota's remaining lead pipes, tackle PFAS contamination, and create policies to safeguard our groundwater.
Air that’s safe to breathe
We will advance strong, community-focused air quality protections and uphold our clean energy commitments to ensure affordable energy for everyone.
Smarter waste & recycling
We will hold manufacturers accountable for what they produce, the impact it leaves behind, and the energy it consumes.
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