Margaret Levin, State Director & Kimberly Scott, Lobbyist for the Sierra Club North Star Chapter
Since the legislative session began in January, the North Star Chapter has been meeting with Representatives and Senators, making phone calls, sending action alerts, attending hearings, and calling on you -- our supporters across Minnesota -- to ensure that our voices are heard, as state leaders work to decide what will become law in 2019.
We have been paying close attention to the contents of bills that are moving forward at the State Capitol. Legislators have largely wrapped up their committee work and bills that have made it through the committee process have been voted on by the House and Senate on the floor. Now, they will be matched up with their companion bill in conference committee, and final negotiations will determine which provisions become law.
Here’s an overview of where we stand at this point in the legislative session:
100% clean, renewable and equitable energy for Minnesota
The House Jobs and Energy Omnibus bill (HF 2208) builds upon our successful clean energy policies by addressing climate change, growing family-supporting jobs across our state, and helping to ensure that all families have healthy places to raise their children. This strong package includes the 100% carbon free electricity standard, robust funding of the Solar on Schools program, and policies to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and buses. On April 24, this bill passed the Minnesota House in a historic floor vote!
The Senate version (included in the Senate Jobs and Energy Omnibus bill SF 2611) includes some bad provisions like removing the moratorium on new nuclear-powered electric generating plants, cuts to the Department of Commerce budget of nearly 50 percent, defunding of the Department of Commerce's appeal of Line 3, weakened energy efficiency standards, limits on the expansion of community solar gardens, and a damaging anti-free speech provision which criminalizes protest at “critical infrastructure” including pipelines.
Provide critically needed new transit funding
The House Transportation Finance Omnibus bill (HF 1555) includes a ½ cent regional sales tax for transit and a 20 cent gas tax for roads and bridges, along with other steps forward. Transportation is the lifeblood of our state and the leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota. Giving more Minnesotans of every income level better access to daily needs will transform lives and realize a future with clean air, abundant opportunities, and thriving neighborhoods. This means investing dedicated funding for public transit — our current funding levels are alarmingly insufficient.
The Senate version (SF 1093) includes no new revenue sources for transportation and no additional funding for transit. This is unacceptable in a growing state.
Fund the state agencies that protect public health and our environment
The House Environment Omnibus bill (HF 2209, proceeding as SF 2314 in conference committee) would provide needed funding for our agencies including the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) which provide essential services for our air, water, soil, and public health, and enforce laws and policies that protect our state. It also includes language to establish a program to reduce road salt impacts on water quality, and the Carpet Product Stewardship Program that will help to reduce waste.
In contrast, the Senate proposes to slash funding to these critical state agencies. This includes deep cuts to the general fund allocations: for the MPCA of $12.49 million or 86%, for the DNR of $38.67 million or 17%, and BWSR of $12.54 million or 39%. It also includes harmful proposals to fund a study of emerging hydrometallurgy technology, which could encourage toxic sulfide mining, and to advance state assumption of section 404 permitting under the Clean Water Act, which could weaken clean water protections.
Under Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan and with new leadership in the House of Representatives, we can get powerful bills across the finish line this year. But it will take a full press between now and May 20th.
Legislators need to hear from you that 100% clean energy and funding for transit and environmental programs are critical! Send your message today and urge them to move strong legislation forward in 2019.