By Marya Hart
Campaign teams advocate for legislative change on environmental issues.
With the majority of legislative issues focusing on COVID-19, our campaign teams are facing even greater uphill battles. Nevertheless, their hard work continues.
Clean Energy
Renewable energy advocacy remains the Clean Energy team’s top priority. While this won't be the year for a major climate bill, the team continues to support bills that advance equity and sustainability. They are currently working for democracy protections, against hand-outs to fossil fuels, and for environmental protections that protect public health, thus setting up for real changes to the system.
Stop Line 3
A letter writing webinar and Tele-Town Halls were held to collect comments for submission to the MPCA asking the agency to reject the Section 401 "water crossing" certificate for the pipeline. Despite the comment, the agency refused to reschedule public hearings on the water crossing certificate after the COVID-19 threat abated.
Still, the team remains committed to use every legal tool and voice available to stop this dangerous and unnecessary project. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has yet to issue the final language on its Line 3 Permits. When it does, expect to hear about lawsuits.
A group of people opposed to Line 3 have launched Watch the Line MN, an effort to monitor Line 3 construction should the state approve the project. Watch the Line MN will conduct on-the-ground monitoring to hold Enbridge accountable for meeting state laws, rules, and permit conditions for construction.
Land Use and Transportation
In these uncertain times of social distancing and stay-at-home orders, the LUT team’s work has never felt more valuable. Now, as most American’s are confined to their homes, it’s clear that replacing parking lots with affordable housing is the right move. Low-cost dwellings and equitable housing practices have always been vital components of a just society, and the impact of this crisis underscores the need to keep fighting for fair and effective land use practices.
One of the few realms that has been left open is the outdoors. Spending time outside exercising and enjoying nature boosts mental and physical health, and now provides one of the only opportunities to leave the home. Pedestrian and biking paths are being used more than ever, highlighting the need for the expansion of commuter paths. However, increased demand is causing overcrowding, which poses a threat to public health as the coronavirus spreads.
Thankfully, the team sprang into action to ensure that people could continue enjoying the outdoors safely. They wrote to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to close parkways to cars and open them up for walkers and bikers. Our very own Becky Alper even started her own petition, which has collected hundreds of signatures! The Board took action, and now Minneapolis residents can still get outside while practicing safe distancing.
We hope you’re able to use this time to slow down, take deep breaths, and notice more of the life around you. Whether it’s listening more closely to the howl of the wind or inspecting the leaves of your favorite tree, there is much to discover in nature no matter where you are or how well you think you know your surroundings. By opening up your senses to the outdoors, you may find new joy in unexpected places.