Happening

Today's Supreme Court ruling in the case of West Virginia vs. Environmental Protection Agency undermines our collective expectation that we all deserve clean air to breathe, and that our leaders will do everything in their power to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.

Solutions to address climate change are important and urgent. Every news cycle brings a new report warning of the consequences of inaction. But there is excellent news in Minnesota. We’ve come so far, and continued clean energy progress means a bright future for Minnesota.

The science on climate change is clear: we must electrify as much as we can while making sure the electricity running through our grid is clean and reliable. As Minnesota’s electrification speeds up, communities will see the economic and job benefits of our energy transition.

For Juneteenth, our team decided to share our favorite Black-owned businesses from around the state. By showing your support, you strengthen local economies, help close the racial wealth gap, and celebrate the contributions of local Black businesses. 

Happy Pride Month! Conservation Minnesota is proud to stand by our LGBTQIA+ staff, members, friends, family, and partners. It’s important to us that Minnesota is a welcoming place for all people no matter where you’re from or how you identify. Pride is a time to acknowledge our differences, celebrate self, and show the world that love brings people together.  

Conservation Minnesota designed Conservation Crew to encourage middle schoolers to think critically about our environment. Each Conservation Crew—made up of five to 25 student and supported by a teacher or school staff—selects their focus and service project. Our Youth Program Coordinator reports on the first year of Conservation Crew.

On May 23, the Minnesota Legislature adjourned, ending the 2022 Regular Session. The divided Legislature was unable to reach agreements on most major legislation before its deadline. Read our summary of what passed and where negotiations ended.

The agriculture industry in Minnesota has a large impact on the health of our environment and economy, and we believe a strong omnibus with provisions that protect and strengthen our waters, lands, and communities would be a vital use of our historic budget surplus. Conservation Minnesota submitted the following letter in support of HF4366, the Omnibus for Agriculture, Housing, and Broadband.

What happens in St. Paul and Washington DC matters, it’s important to remember that much of the work that protects the Minnesota we love is happening at the local level in communities across the state. Conservation Minnesota is the only organization currently hosting gatherings of environment commission members from across the state.

Minnesota small towns and urban areas alike are at risk for having lead-contaminated drinking water. Bipartisan bills to pay for lead service line replacement have been introduced in the Minnesota Legislature, and federal grants could be made available to Minnesota communities, but state legislators need to get bills across the finish line before the session ends on May 23rd.