Here in Minnesota the fishing opener and preparation for corn planting often coincide—that’s why you won’t see many crop farmers wetting lines on Leech Lake come May 10. That’d be akin to seeing tax accountants whooping it up at Mardis Gras in February. It turns out corn and fishing have another connection, and this one is a little more insidious. Research out of Indiana farm country shows that the caddisfly, a key link in many a freshwater stream food chain, may face a serious threat from genetically engineered corn. Ironically, soon after reading the study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, I happened upon an Iowa Farmer Today cover story headlined: “Biotech crops may help environment.” The article went on to describe how the eco-angst that dogged GMO crops a few years ago may be a thing of the past. In light of the caddisfly study, that IFT headline may be a whole lot of wishful thinking. (more…)

This week’s update from lobbyist John Tuma:

“Men are elected to office, not parties.”
Willmar Tribune editorial, April 9, 1913

One would not know it with the partisan bickering that can break out in St. Paul these days, but Minnesota legislative elections were nonpartisan from 1914 until the 1970s.  Minnesota was the first and longest to be a nonpartisan legislature.  The nonpartisan election provision was adopted during the political era when progressives were realigning our parties’ structures.  In the 1912 election, Minnesota went strongly for the progressive candidacy of Teddy Roosevelt and his Bull Moose Party.  Those progressive legislators were making their voices heard at the capitol in the 1913 legislative session.

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By Carin Skoog, global warming solutions coordinator, Fresh Energy

This week every year, we take the time to stop and think about the impact we humans have on our planet. Many of us carve out time from our busy schedules to participate in various Earth Week events such as beach clean-ups or recycling days. Even the national media has picked up the drumbeat over the past few years, highlighting green business initiatives and promoting green marketing around Earth Day. This is the week when Americans feel inspired and empowered to leave the world a better place than we inherited—but do we really understand the consequences of our energy choices and how much it matters? (more…)

By Art Allen, Transit for Livable Communities’ Communications Assistant

When I read editorials in the newspaper that talk about how most Minnesotans don’t want expanded transit services, including buses and more light rail and commuter rail options, I have to wonder who they’re talking about. Because it’s not anyone I’ve ever met. (more…)

The University of Minnesota announced earlier this week it has approved a plan that will create new resources and programs for sustainable and organic agriculture. This is the result of an overall increase in funding for agricultural research and outreach that the University received from the 2007 Minnesota Legislature. (more…)

By Rick Fuentes, senior media relations specialist, Fresh Energy

When Pope Benedict XVI succeeded John Paul II, Catholics noted how the Vatican had swung towards the most conservative choice by selecting a faith leader who has embraced the most traditional of the church’s teachings. This was not a man who was going to allow women to be ordained. But, within those tightly held convictions, the Pope has started to sound positively progressive on the issue of global warming solutions. (more…)

This week’s update from lobbyist John Tuma:

“I’ll hold the ball, Charlie Brown, and you come running up and kick it.”
Lucy Van Pelt*

Charles M. Schulz, the creator of Charlie Brown, Lucy and the rest of Peanuts, is one of our favorite sons from Minnesota. His first comic strips were published in 1947 in the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He grew up in a quiet St. Paul neighborhood and returned there to work after distinguished service in World War II. His subtle and fatalistic humor seemed to speak to the Minnesota soul. We inevitably knew what would always happen to poor Charlie Brown when Lucy called him to kick the football. Time and time again, Lucy always knew how to get Charlie Brown to make that fast charge, only to end up on his backside. The pattern and the results always seemed inevitable. (more…)

By Michael Noble, executive director, Fresh Energy

Check out Al Gore’s brand new slide show, premiering this month at the TED conference in Monterey. It’s worth a watch. (more…)

By Art Allen, Communications Assistant

As you may have noticed from some my other posts, one of my biggest gripes with living in the suburbs is the lack of transportation options. More specifically, it’s nearly impossible to get around on foot—and if you do, where is there to go? Taco Bell?

So I nearly fell out of my seat in excitement recently (yes, actually) when I read what I hope is a first of many: Edina is investing $3.7 million in a 1.5 mile biking and walking corridor. This is not a bike trail, winding pointlessly through suburban neighborhoods, starting and stopping arbitrarily. This is a corridor for bicyclist and pedestrian transit. The Promenade, as it’s called, runs through numerous higher-density residential areas and connects them to actual points of interest: retail destinations and enjoyable public spaces.

As a non-transit-related aside, I am also extremely pleased at the emphasis put on the need for public art. Having graduated from the Perpich Center for Arts Education in Golden Valley (and actually serving on a public art committee while there), I am especially aware of how important public art is in making public spaces enjoyable and livable. The fact that they are mixing permanent fixtures with temporary, rotating displays is also exciting and smart on their part.

Given the utility of the Promenade on top of the beautification the public art will bring, this corridor is likely to be a popular area—and hopefully other communities will take note.

By Erin Stojan, program coordinator, Fresh Energy

Achieving the IPCC-recommended 80 percent reduction of global warming pollution by 2050 is a tremendous task, but it’s fair to say the idea of creating opportunity out of this transition and giving communities left behind another chance at the American dream has taken the nation by storm. (more…)