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Click here for an end of session summary
Minnesota is a special place. Our lakes, rivers and streams; forests and wilderness areas; clean air and natural areas are a part of our way of life and who we are. We have a duty to be good stewards of our Great Outdoors: to protect it and restore it so we can pass it on to our children and grandchildren.
To pass Minnesota to future generations in as good or even better shape than we found it, MEP has selected four priority issues for the 2008 legislative session:
• Great Outdoors and Heritage Amendment
• Clean Energy Minnesota
• Transportation Choices 2020
• Outdoor Traditions Investment
As Minnesotans, it’s our responsibility to put our values into action and protect our Great Outdoors for all Minnesotans to enjoy today and tomorrow.
Minnesota’s Great Outdoors: Enjoy it. Protect it. Pass it on!
Click here to download more information on these issues.
End of Legislative Session Summary - May 19, 2008
Click here to download an end of session summary document (PDF).
Central Corridor, Lake Vermilion Investments Are Strong Finish To Protect Minnesota’s Future
Yet Legislature Failed to Support Important Clean Energy Initiatives
The Minnesota Legislature took historic actions during the legislative session to protect Minnesota’s lakes, lands and legacy, including:
Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment
- In the first week of session, the Minnesota Legislature approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy constitutional amendment question, which will be on the November 4, 2008 ballot. Voters will be able to approve dedicated funding for Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and streams; forests and natural areas; arts and cultural heritage; parks and wildlife habitat; and drinking water.
Transportation Choices 2020
- The Minnesota Legislature made history by overriding the Governor’s veto to provide funds to relieve traffic congestion, expand transit, and improve Minnesota’s roads. Increased transit options are a critical part of the solution to reduce Minnesota’s global warming pollution, save money and strengthen our communities.
Capital Investments
- Outdoor Traditions Investment – While not every important project was funded, the Minnesota Legislature and Governor Tim Pawlenty did approve long-term investments with a strong emphasis on protecting Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and streams; conserving lands; and maintaining and enhancing parks and trails. Of the 29 projects included in MEP’s original bonding package, 20 projects totaling $114.65 million survived to become law.
- Central Corridor Light Rail Line and Lake Vermilion State Park – The session ended on a high note with the passage of a supplemental bonding bill that included funding for these two projects, which are crucial to protecting Minnesota’s future, our economy and our way of life. By funding these signature projects the Minnesota Legislature and Governor Pawlenty contributed to a proud legacy to pass on to our children and grandchildren.
Clean Energy Minnesota: Missed Opportunities
Much debate at the Capitol this year centered on how to take the right steps toward energy independence and reducing global warming pollution. Unfortunately, the Legislature did not take action on the transformational changes necessary to move toward greater energy independence and meet the goal, set by law in 2007, to reduce global warming pollution by 80 percent by 2050.
- Green Solutions Act – We are pleased that the Legislature provided funding for cost and benefits studies related to a regional cap & trade system to reduce global warming pollution. However, we are disappointed that the legislature passed up an important opportunity to shape the regional policy by not taking a more specific action outlining Minnesota’s stance before Gov. Pawlenty meets with other Midwest governors this fall.
- Clean Cars Standards – Legislation that would have reduced emissions from new cars and trucks was defeated in a Senate committee during the last week of the legislative session. We are disappointed that a few lawmakers failed to realize that this legislation is about Minnesota – keeping our air clean and lowering our pain at the gas pump. The good news is that some agriculture groups now understand that this legislation will help farmers by boosting the ethanol industry; keeping hard-working trucks and equipment on the road; and cleaning up our air at the same time. Passing the Clean Cars Act would have been an important milestone in moving toward cleaner air, lower global warming pollution and greater energy independence.
- Growing Better Fuels – Unfortunately, the Legislature missed the opportunity to lay the groundwork for the next generation of biofuels and ethanol in the session’s first bonding legislation. We will continue to work with farmers, industry, researchers and legislators to reach agreement on the best mechanism to grow better energy fuels, while protecting our water and lands.
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