Legislative Updates

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Legislative Updates

Governor Walz releases ambitious $300M water infrastructure proposal

by Trevor Russell

January 13, 2020

Gov. Walz has proposed investing $300 million in much-needed water infrastructure through the state’s 2020 bonding bill. Find out what's in the governor's proposal. >>

FMR Water Program 2019 highlights

by Trevor Russell

January 3, 2020

From pushing through a snowstorm to lobby our legislators to expanding our programs to address a major threat to the health of our river, agricultural pollution, FMR staff, members and River Guardians have a lot to be proud of from 2019! >>

Thank you, River Guardians!

by Sophie Downey

December 11, 2019

Thank you, River Guardians! We deeply appreciate you advocating for clean water and sustainable and equitable development along the river this past year. >>

Projected $1.3B state surplus could be good news for clean water

by Trevor Russell

December 5, 2019

In a delightful bit of news, the State of Minnesota’s December 2019 budget forecast estimates a $1.3 billion preliminary budget surplus for 2020.

While sure to ignite debates regarding both new investments and planned tax cuts during the 2020 Legislative session, this could bode well for much-needed clean water funding. >>

Gov. Tim Walz forms climate sub-cabinet

by Peter LaFontaine

December 5, 2019

Minnesota is falling short of meeting its climate change goals. A new government initiative seeks to re-energize state efforts and build momentum toward a better future. >>

Legislative Water Commission revived with a new name

by Trevor Russell

July 18, 2019

Last month, we lamented one of the more unusual results of the 2019 Legislative session: The administrative purgatory of the Legislative Water Commission. This month, we’ve got some great news! >>

MN's groundbreaking Groundwater Protection Rule goes into effect

by Trevor Russell

July 15, 2019

After decades of delay, Minnesota’s Groundwater Protection Rule aims to protect public health by addressing fertilizer contamination in groundwater. This is the first time our state has exercised its regulatory authority over cropland agriculture to protect water quality. >>