April 29, 2011

I am writing this update on Friday afternoon. It is close to 70 degrees outside and most folks are looking to get there!

The Legislature returned this week to continue their work toward adjournment at midnight of May 23. The committees met long and often to get bills passed out of policy committees to meet the first deadline. The Agriculture Budget bill is finished and signed into law. All other budget bills are in conference committee. Most of the committees have met this past week to review the differences in the House and Senate versions of the spending bills for state agencies and all the programs and projects that the state pays for with general funds. (more…)

[In an effort to help inform our members about state and federal budget issues, Minnesota Environmental Partnership is working with the Minnesota Budget Project to cross-post updates about the budget.]

Today, Way Five of the 20 Ways in 20 Days Campaign looks at how a cuts-only approach to meeting Minnesota’s needs will jeopardize our lakes, rivers and streams – and threaten further pollution to our great outdoors. (more…)

This Earth Day (April 22), the Living Green Expo is challenging each Minnesotan to take a personal pledge to make at least one change that will positively impact the earth.

“As the world around us is turning green with spring, it’s an ideal time for Minnesotans to think about ways to live a little greener,” says Steve Morse, executive director of the Minnesota Environmental Partnership (MEP), a nonprofit coalition of more than 80 conservation and environmental organizations that produces the Living Green Expo.  (more…)

April 14, 2011

Written by Nancy Lange
Energy Program Director, Izaak Walton League of America – Midwest Office

Courtesy of Izaak Walton League of America / Click for high-res version

Who thinks importing more coal power from North Dakota is just the ticket for Minnesota?  Minnesota’s State Senators, that’s who.  Today, 42 Minnesota State Senators voted to lift restrictions on new coal power projects, signaling that Minnesota is ready to send even more of our energy dollars over the border to North Dakota and other coal producing states.  (more…)

[Editor's note: In an effort to help inform our members about state and federal budget issues, Minnesota Environmental Partnership is working with the Minnesota Budget Project to cross-post updates about the budget.]

Transit is a basic public service, getting people to and from work and school, and reducing congestion and pollution. Public transit helps the downtown office commuter avoid rush-hour headaches and high parking fees, but it is particularly important for those who either can’t afford a car or who can’t drive. (more…)

Learn more about the potential damage to our environment being proposed by our Legislature.—
Check out the League of Women Voters- Minnesota website and their Capitol Letter that highlights some of the environmental issues at the legislature today.

Scroll down to the Environment section by Gwen Myers, LWV Minnesota Volunteer Lobbyist and Our Sky-Blue Waters at Risk
http://www.lwvmn.org/Page.aspx?pid=448

State and federal lawmakers are retreating from environmental standards and environmental leadership, says Gene Merriam, president of the Freshwater Society. He warns that Minnesota is in danger of “joining other states in a race to the bottom – in the pollution we accept, and in the scientific evidence we ignore.”

Read his column published in the Freshwater newsletter and reprinted April 9 by Minnpost.com.

Ignessa and her mom Elena get their hair tested at Lasata Salon in Rochester

The women lined up at Lasata Salon today were not waiting for ordinary haircuts — they were attending an event sponsored by the Sierra Club North Star Chapter to test their bodies for mercury, a potent neurotoxin that can put developing fetuses at risk of developmental disorders and learning disabilities. (more…)

More dirty deeds of our legislators.  Please call yours and tell them lowering our water quality standards is not acceptable. And jobs is a smokescreen for the Iron Range legislators. People need to stand up and tell their legislators this is not acceptable.

Read the article from the Duluth News Tribune: http://tinyurl.com/44y9saa

April 8, 2011

I am writing this article as the Twins are playing their first home game. The sun is shining and it is a beautiful day all around! Wish I was at the game!

The Legislature has finished another busy week that featured many hours on the floors as they debated and voted on many of the budget bills. With all the general cuts that are being used to close the $5 billion budget gap, the debate has been heated. Many of these cuts are deep into program after program that have be developed and delivered over the years. The pain is real and the concern is being expressed. (more…)