We entered the Minnesota 2019 session with a new political landscape. Democrats took control of the House due mainly to changes in Metro area suburbs, Republicans continued to control the Senate chamber, and a new Governor and Lieutenant Governor took office and appointed their own cabinet of commissioners and staff.
This divided government led to a stalemate conclusion to the 2019 Legislative Session, with anti-environment leadership in the Senate consistently refusing to move the needle on legislation core to Minnesota values -- including protecting our waters and addressing climate change. We can and must do better.
We are seeking to fundamentally change our energy and transportation systems, and prevent toxic sulfide mining which threatens some of our state’s most precious water resources. We know this won’t happen overnight. The positive side of the 2019 session was that new elected champions -- many of whom were endorsed by the Sierra Club -- and new coalitions emerged with the power to take on these challenges.
Notably, Governor Walz and his team led with their One Minnesota Path to Clean Energy and new transit funding proposals. They continued to push for these policies until the very end of negotiations.
Our grassroots base stepped up and was heard in ways we haven’t been before, with thousands of calls, text and email messages, and showing up by the hundreds for rallies at the Capitol. Strong coalitions like the 100% Campaign on the clean energy front, alliances with business leaders on the transit front, and support from the new administration in the fight to protect our natural resources give us hope.
From now until the fall of 2020, we will continue to expand membership in critical districts, strengthen new alliances, and make the case for 100% clean energy, increased transit funding, and protections for the land, water and air we depend on.
Report on Our Top Legislative Priorities
We began our work in the fall with a prioritization process. Our Legislative Committee reviewed policy issues developed by volunteer teams across the state and chose to focus on three top priority issues, as well as supporting a number of second tier priorities, partners’ efforts and defending from harmful proposals. Here’s how we did:
Commit to 100% clean energy by 2050
Move Minnesota to a healthy, equitable energy future that increases good family-supporting jobs, saves customers money, and ensures that climate solutions benefit those most affected by environmental injustice.
| House Results | For the first time, the Minnesota House passed legislation committing to a 100% carbon-free electricity standard, a proposal which was backed by Governor Walz. The Jobs and Energy Omnibus bill (HF 2208) also included robust funding for solar on schools, policies to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and buses, and other strong clean energy and climate initiatives. |
| Senate Results | Despite bipartisan work on the Clean Energy First proposal, the Senate version of the Jobs and Energy Omnibus bill (SF 2611) included no commitment to 100% clean energy and harmful provisions like removing the moratorium on new nuclear plants, cuts to the Department of Commerce budget and defunding of the Department’s appeal of Line 3. |
| The Final Outcome | The Legislature failed to make any meaningful progress on climate solutions. But with partners, we changed the narrative around Climate Change, making this a top issue that decision-makers heard about all session -- laying the groundwork for significant steps forward in future years. |
Provide critically needed new transit funding
Transportation is the lifeblood of our state and the leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota. Funding transit gives more Minnesotans of every income level better access to daily needs. It moves us towards a future with clean air, abundant opportunities, and thriving neighborhoods.
| House Results | The House Transportation Finance Omnibus bill (HF 1555) passed and included a ½ cent regional sales tax for transit and a 20 cent gas tax for roads and bridges, along with other steps forward. |
|
Senate Results |
The Senate version (SF 1093) included no new revenue sources for transportation and no additional funding for transit. Governor Walz championed dedicated transportation funding -- a 20 cent gas tax for roads and an ⅛ cent regional sales tax for transit -- and most critically, he made sure that his proposal included transit, an absolutely necessary component of any transportation spending package. However, this issue became the biggest point of contention during negotiations with the Senate Republican majority, who refused to include a gas tax at any level. |
| The Final Outcome | The legislative session ended with a “lights on” compromise transportation bill, which failed to provide any new funding for transit, bicycling and walking. Current funding levels are alarmingly insufficient and Metro Transit’s vision for a rapid bus service is now in serious jeopardy. Partnerships with economic justice and equity-focused groups were strengthened, and we are planning for a renewed push in 2020. |
Protect our waters
Minnesotans care deeply about our lakes, rivers and the communities that depend on them. Toxic sulfide ore mining releases acid and toxic metals that contaminate rivers and groundwater for hundreds of years. We are proposing that mining companies be required to “Prove it First,” i.e., that they have operated and closed a similar mine in a water-rich environment without long-term pollution. Until they do, copper-nickel sulfide mines should not be permitted in Minnesota.
| House Results | The Prove it First (HF 2212) bill was re-introduced and gained support from 10 co-authors in the House, including environmental champions like lead author Rep. Jim Davnie. However, it did not receive a hearing. |
| Senate Results | Prove it First (SF 1087) received the maximum of five co-authors in the Senate, but did not receive a hearing. |
| The Final Outcome | Legislation introduced in 2019 will stay “alive” for the next legislative session. We will be building from a stronger position with new champions identified. |
Additional Advocacy Wins
Beyond these priority issues, we used both our grassroots power and proven expertise -- including a professional lobbyist -- to support a variety of proposals including some that were signed into law:
- Ensuring agencies like the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Department of Natural Resources and Department of Commerce received the funding they need to protect our environment, and advance a cleaner and healthier future;
- Passing a hands-free cell phone bill to keep us all safe on the roads;
- Opposing funding for the Border to Border route, to protect our lands and waters from damage;
- Supporting a repeal of the wolf hunting season. This legislation passed in the House by one vote, thanks to timely Sierra Club support;
- Supporting statewide Earned Sick and Safe Time for workers, an effort led by coalition partners.
We are deeply grateful to the environmental champions who fought to move a positive vision forward, and our volunteer leaders and supporters who contributed so much time, energy and passion. We are proud of our work in 2019 and are counting on you to keep fighting with us as we look to 2020.