As part of our new Tell Me More: Talks with Conservation Minnesota webinar series, we recently hosted Commerce Department Commissioner Grace Arnold, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Commissioner Katrina Kessler, and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner Sarah Strommen to discuss the last two legislative sessions and how their agencies are working to implement historic investments in clean energy, clean water, and outdoor recreation. Here are some of the discussion highlights:
Commissioner Kessler covered the latest ban of PFAS in 11 different product categories and applauded this accomplishment for the health and safety of all who call Minnesota home. Minnesota is seen as a leader on the issue and other states are looking to us to implement their own PFAS bans.
DNR Investments through Get Out MORE
Commissioner Strommen fielded questions on implementing one of the most significant investments in the department in recent memory. We can already see this investment in construction at boat launches and state parks throughout Minnesota.
Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) invests $150 million to help ensure Minnesotans of all abilities can experience a world-class recreation system that will enhance access and welcome new users, modernize campgrounds and state park infrastructure, enhance fisheries and fishing piers, modernize boat launches and boat access, and restoring streams and water related infrastructure. Learn more about this historic investment on the DNR's website.
100% Carbon Free Energy by 2040
While passed in 2023, implementation of the 100% clean energy standard will stretch over the next 16 years. Commissioner Arnold discussed the technologies and implementation plans coming from utilities regarding how they will meet the new 100% clean energy standard. She also mentioned the importance of federal money from the historic Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act to the clean energy buildout in the state. This is laying the groundwork through programs such as Solar on Schools, Solar For All, and community solar programs. You can learn more about new energy programs on the Commerce department website.
Even More!
We also covered the Cumulative Impacts Law, Elk Reintroduction in Northeast Minnesota and the Packaging Waste & Cost Reduction Act. Check out their full conversation. We look forward to continuing to bring you interesting and engaging conversations through the Tell Me More: Talks with Conservation Minnesota webinar series in the coming months.