We are 16 conservation and environment non-profits mobilizing Minnesota citizens. You are key to the effort! Use your email to tell government and business leaders to protect our precious air, land and water.
Legislative Session Update - April 18, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
On three of the top four priorities of the Minnesota Environmental Partnership, the Minnesota Legislature has made significant – and in some cases historic - progress.
Visit www.ProtectMnFuture.org for complete details - here is a quick update on the issues.
Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment - Passed!
Transportation Choices 2020 - Passed!
Outdoor Traditions Investments - While not every important project was funded, the Minnesota Legislature and Governor Tim Pawlenty did approve a long-term funding package with a strong emphasis on protecting Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and streams; conserving lands; and maintaining and enhancing parks and trails.
Still Work to do on Clean Energy
Much debate at the Capitol this year has centered on how to take the right steps toward energy independence and reducing global warming pollution.
Legislators need to take action soon in order to reach the goal, set by law in 2007, to reduce global warming pollution by 80 percent by 2050.
There is not much time left in the session to make transformational changes necessary to move toward greater energy independence; the most significant opportunity, awaiting final approval, is in passage of Clean Car legislation.
Cleaner Cars
We are close to reaching agreement on legislation that would reduce emissions from new cars and trucks.
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 be an important milestone in moving toward cleaner air, lower global warming pollution and greater energy independence
Green Solutions
The Legislature may soon pass the Green Solutions Act, providing study funds for a regional cap & trade system to reduce global warming pollution.
We are pleased that legislators are moving forward to study this system. However, Minnesota may miss an important opportunity to shape the regional policy if it does not take a more specific action outlining Minnesota’s stance.
At a minimum, we urge the Minnesota Legislature to adopt the principles and policies approved by the Minnesota Climate Change Action Group.
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.
|
