Barb Liukkonen,Water Resources Center and Minnesota Sea Grant Program, 612-625-9256

[The following is adapted from the Minnesota Environmental Action Network, May 30, 2006 Legislative Update.]

The Minnesota legislature took a step forward in cleaning up and protecting our lakes, rivers, and streams, but has failed to create a legacy yet. This year, the legislature allocated almost $25 million in one-time money to begin cleanup programs. Environmental and conservation groups have been working with business, agricultural, and local government representatives to secure the needed $80 to $100 million a year in ongoing funding, which the legislature failed to address this year.

Legislators made environmental and conservation projects a significant component of this year’s capital investment bill, which borrows money for long-term investments. The 2006 Protect Our Water package supported projects that invested in clean water, protected lands, healthy communities, and transportation alternatives. Protect Our Water projects received over $230 million in the final bill, which included $14 million for Wildlife Management Areas acquisition (WMAs), $7 million for forest conservation easements, and $60 million for the Northstar Corridor. The $230 million represents a significant commitment to Minnesota’s Great Outdoors in this $1 billion bonding bill.

The greatest accomplishment this year to protect Minnesota’s waters is the state’s new mercury emissions reduction act, which was signed into law in early May. The law requires the state’s largest coal-burning power plants to reduce mercury emissions by 90 percent between 2009 and 2014. Currently, coal-burning power plants account for approximately half of Minnesota’s mercury emissions. This law will reduce mercury emissions approximately 1,200 pounds a year – roughly one-third of Minnesota’s 2005 emissions – and is one of the strongest laws in the country.

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