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Tell the Legislature to Reinstate the MPCA Board

It's Time to Give Minnesotans a Bigger Voice in Environmental Decisions

March 21, 2023

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The bill to reinstate public oversight of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has been moving through the Minnesota Legislature. In the Minnesota Senate, it passed out of the State and Local Government Committee and needs to be heard in the Environment, Climate, and Legacy Committee before becoming part of the larger Senate bill that sets the budget and policies for the MPCA. In the Minnesota House, it was heard in the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and is ready to become part of the House’s larger bill to fund and set policy for the agency.

However, corporate interests and their allies in the Legislature are working overtime to continue a status quo that prioritizes corporate profits at the expense of the viability of small and mid-sized farms, the quality of life of rural communities, and our water, air, and land. We need to demonstrate widespread support for reinstating the MPCA Community Board (formerly the MPCA Citizens’ Board) now!

Please take just five minutes to send personalized e-mails to three key decision-makers: Governor Tim Walz, Senator Foung Hawj (Chair of the Environment, Climate, & Legacy Committee), and Senator Nick Frentz (Chair of the Energy, Utilities, Environment, & Climate Committee).

TAKE ACTION NOW!

 

Governor Tim Walz has not committed to supporting or signing the bill. In fact, the MPCA has been asking the Legislature to put their consideration of this bill on hold. The administration must actively support restoring critical checks and balances to the agency.

Senator Foung Hawj needs to be thanked for championing this legislation and shown that we have his back as he fights for this proposal!

Senator Nick Frentz is an influential legislator who has not committed to supporting this bill. With a one-vote margin in the Minnesota Senate, losing his vote could kill the legislation.

By reinstating the MPCA Citizens’ Board, we will put decision-making power back into the hands of Minnesotans (as intended), ensure those most impacted by agency decisions have a meaningful place at the table, greatly increase transparency in the agency, and create meaningful opportunities for the public to make their voices heard.

TAKE ACTION NOW!

 

Category: Action Alerts
Tags: EIS • environmental review • factory farms • local democracy • Minnesota Legislature • Minnesota Pollution Control Agency • MPCA Citizens' Board

Contact

Amanda Koehler, LSP Policy Manager, e-mail

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December 2023

Tuesday December 5 9:00 am – Wednesday December 6 3:00 pm" data-events-count="1" data-feed-keys="0">

Tuesday December 5 9:00 am – Wednesday December 6 3:00 pm

Premier Soil Health Event
Tuesday December 5 – Wednesday December 6
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Premier Soil Health Event

The Premier Soil Health event is for farmers by farmers. The Minnesota Soil Health Coalition brings national, regional and local soil health experts togetherto provide farmers and ranchers information they can use to improve their operations. Network with other farmers, network with farmer mentors and learn from long time soil health practitioners. For details and to register, click here.

Thursday December 7 – Friday December 8" data-events-count="1" data-feed-keys="0">

Thursday December 7 – Friday December 8

U of M Soil Management Summit
Thursday December 7 – Friday December 8
U of M Soil Management Summit

The Soil Management Summit emphasizes proven farmer experience and applied science. Straight from the fields, learn how heavier, colder soils aren’t necessarily the challenge they’re made out to be. Hear from no-till, reduced tillage, and cover crop farmers as they share their experiences, so you can be spared the same hard-learned lessons.

The summit features presentations and Q & A with researchers, farmers and agricultural advisors, information from sponsors, and conversations with farmers experienced in different soil health practices.

Those who attend the entire conference can earn Certified Crop Adviser continuing education units (CEUs).

For more information and to register, click here.

Tuesday December 12" data-events-count="1" data-feed-keys="0">

Tuesday December 12

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Online Farmer Forum: Exploring Water Management on Vegetable Farms
Tuesday December 12
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Online Farmer Forum: Exploring Water Management on Vegetable Farms

Join Jody and Mike Lenz of Threshing Table Farm and Dana Swanson from NRCS to explore creative ways to manage water in our changing climate. This forum will include a short presentation followed by questions, ideas and solutions from attendees.
Register here:https://secure.everyaction.com/8R2DmcpyQkOkPANzarGpAA2

January 2024

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Saturday January 13

10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fillmore County Well Screening Clinic
Saturday January 13
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fillmore County Well Screening Clinic

Free nitrate and chloride screenings will be offered onsite, with results available within 15 minutes. While you wait, you are invited to talk one-on-one with water experts about your results, questions, and options. This consultation is free and confidential. If further testing is advised, a voucher for a free certified test will be provided. Questions can be directed to Responsible Ag in Karst Country at responsibleaginkarstcountry@gmail.com.

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Tuesday January 16

12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
In-Person Training: Introduction to Climate Resiliency for Farmers
Tuesday January 16
12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
In-Person Training: Introduction to Climate Resiliency for Farmers

Join LSP and UMN Extension to build resiliency on your farm through examining local climate trends, identifying risk and planning adaptations for mitigation. Additionally, there will be several farmers presenting on the climate resiliency strategies they are implementing on their farms. Lunch is included and registration is required.

Register here: https://secure.everyaction.com/nyGLdKfUikG6EZmR8mcwbw2

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