Happening

Conservation Minnesota helped pass a ban on toxic flame retardants that went into effect this month. 

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Commissioner Laura Bishop resigned rather than be fired in retribution for her work to protect Minnesotans’ air, water, and climate.

The Minnesota Senate GOP once again considers firing Governor-appointed commissioners including Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Commissioner Laura Bishop. The threatened firing comes on the heels of a contentious session where the same senators threatened to withhold environment funding if the Walz administration didn’t delay or halt the already approved Clean Cars rule.

Meaningful clean energy policy is on its way to Governor Walz’s desk for signing after the House and Senate pass the Commerce & Energy Omnibus Bill. The bill creates crucial policy changes to guide energy investments and regulation while funding energy-related agencies and programs.

Conservation Minnesota is living our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive environmental movement by adding Juneteenth (June 19) as an official organization holiday. To help institutionalize and celebrate this important and historic day, we are joining many local governments, major Minnesota employers, and partners in recognizing Juneteenth.

During this year’s legislative session both the House and the Senate passed the ECO Act. The bill had bipartisan support and is the first major piece of clean energy legislation signed into law by Governor Walz.

Minnesota is on track to become the 15th state—and first in the Midwest—to adopt stricter tailpipe emission standards after an Administrative Law Judge approved the Clean Cars rule and recommended it for adoption last month.

In April, President Biden proposed the American Jobs Plan, an economic recovery package that puts people back to work while tackling climate change. Learn how Minnesota could benefit.

Most people don’t have the time or patience to attend hours of hearings at the Minnesota Capitol but still want to be informed about their top conservation issues. This year we increased our policy team capacity, and that resulted in some headline news!

This year’s regular legislative session has ended, and a special session will be required. Before adjourning, the state Legislature did pass significant legislation that will help drive Minnesota toward a clean energy future. The ECO Act was passed by both the House and Senate and is now expected to be signed into law by Governor Walz.