Minnesota’s Great Outdoors is more than just the beautiful natural spaces, clean lakes, prairie lands and forests. It’s about the health and vitality of our people and communities. The coalition members of the Minnesota Environmental Partnership believe that economic prosperity and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive. They go hand in hand. Our state’s growth… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Clean Water
MEP and members urge President Obama and Attorney General Lynch to reconsider permits for Dakota Access Pipeline
Minnesota Environmental Partnership and our member groups delivered the following letter to President Obama and Attorney General Lynch, expressing their support and solidarity to the Sanding Rock Sioux Tribe and requesting that they reconsider permits for the Dakota Access Pipeline and de-escalate the violence at the protest site. Read the entire letter below: December… Read more »
What happens now?
It feels like the world changed overnight this week. The results of election on Tuesday, up and down the ballot, will have long and far reaching effects for our environment. We now know that Donald Trump is our President-elect, and we have put in place a Republican Congress. Serious threats to the Clean Power Plan,… Read more »
Legislative Session Wrap-Up: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly
The Minnesota Legislature adjourned ahead of its constitutional deadline, and now as happened last year, everyone needs to sort out what just happened. A Supplemental Appropriations Bill was passed to the Governor, including some wins for the environment. However, neither a bonding bill nor a transportation package passed. There are rumors flying that we may… Read more »
Legislative Session brings progress, disappointments for Minnesota’s Great Outdoors
May 23, 2016 (Saint Paul, Minn) — As the 2016 Legislative Session adjourned late Sunday night, it’s clear that the outcomes of this Session will be marked by some steps forward, but also missed opportunities for Minnesota’s beloved Great Outdoors. “When we ask our fellow Minnesotans what they value most about our state, they talk… Read more »
MEP and members urge consideration on key priorities and concerns at legislature
Minnesota Environmental Partnership and our member groups delivered the following letter to Omnibus Supplemental Appropriations Bill Conferees calling their attention to the priorities and concerns of the environmental and conservation community of Minnesota. Dear Omnibus Supplemental Appropriations Bill Conferees: As the Conference Committee convenes to consider differences in the House and Senate versions of the Omnibus Supplemental Appropriations… Read more »
MN Environmental Partnership Statement on DNR PolyMet Determination
Saint Paul, Minn., March 3, 2016 — Earlier today, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released its Determination of Adequacy on the PolyMet sulfide mining project in northern Minnesota. In November PolyMet submitted its final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), followed by a 30 public comment period. While the results of that public comment period… Read more »
Conservation groups object to PolyMet environmental study, encourage public to speak out
Saint Paul, Minn (Nov. 13, 2015) –– Conservation groups objected to the PolyMet “final environmental impact statement” and encouraged the public to join them in objecting to the proposed sulfide mine during the 30 day public review period beginning today. Representatives of Minnesota Environmental Partnership, a coalition of over 70 Minnesota conservation groups and several… Read more »
Legislature gives all for mining industry, but workers are next target anyway
Times are tough for workers in Minnesota’s mining industry. Low prices for metals have led to layoffs and plant closures that have affected more than 1,500 mine workers. Now, the United Steelworkers are locked in contentious contract negotiations. According to news reports, US Steel wants to end retiree health benefits and significantly increase health care… Read more »
Minnesota Environmental Partnership Issues Statement on Revised Ag and Environment Bill
Saint Paul, Minn. (June 5, 2015) — Earlier today, the Minnesota Legislature released a revised version of the Ag and Environment Budget Bill, following Governor Dayton’s veto of the bill on May 23. The Governor vetoed the bill citing the many roll backs on Minnesota’s environmental protections. The Minnesota Environmental Partnership (MEP) and its 70… Read more »