by Eloise Boigenzahn
Minnesotans from Morris to Mankato want real climate solutions. Floods, wildfires, and extreme weather events show that the climate crisis is impacting us right now in Minnesota and across the globe. Yet all too often, we find Republican politicians like Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen denying the climate crisis or folks on both sides proposing false solutions. Take recent attempts by ethanol producers and the politicians in their pocket to rebrand ethanol as climate-friendly, even though ethanol continues to add to emissions and its production poisons our water.
With climate denial and false solutions being put forward amidst a climate crisis, it can be hard to stay engaged and hopeful. But real, impactful and powerful solutions are here and on the table.
This legislative session we are highlighting the real solutions being proposed by real champions in our #RealSolutionsRealChampions social media series.
In 2022 the Minnesota House Climate Caucus put forward a $1 billion Climate Action Investment Package to create jobs, lower energy bills, and increase equity all while practicing environmental stewardship. A few examples of solutions from this proposal include: solar on infrastructure, new Bus Rapid Transit lines, composting programs, tree plantings, and native grass conservation. In our #RealSolutionsRealChampions series we’ve been posting to highlight various legislators and their bills.
This package of bills is powerful, reasonable and necessary. Senate Republicans need to get onboard with what Minnesotans are demanding. Together with allies we are building awareness, energy and momentum for the real solutions that exist and now are calling on legislators across the aisle to pass them.
Here are a few examples from the #RealSolutionsRealChampions series. Please help us spread the word on Facebook and Twitter by joining the conversation and sharing posts with your network.
SierraClubMN
@SierraClubMN
Apr 13
From apartment buildings to lake homes we care about protecting our water, air and earth by reducing waste. We just need systems in place to allow us too. Thank you @go4esther and Rep. Hornstein for establishing a grant program for composting in multifamily buildings.
SierraClubMN
@SierraClubMN
Apr 11
Excited that @AthenaHollins is proposing funding grants for zero-waste projects. Corporations like Pepsi push toxic products. But we don't have to accept single use plastics, incinerators, and the toxins they create. Zero waste solutions exist. #RealSolutionsRealChampions
SierraClubMN
@SierraClubMN
Mar 31
Our parks, forests, grasslands and natural lands define us as Minnesotans. They also are part of #ClimateSolutions. Thanks @RepToddLippert for fighting for this at the #mnleg with bills to plant trees, improve water quality, habitat and soils. @LSPnow @100PercentMN @Nature_MN
SierraClubMN
@SierraClubMN
Mar 24
Cities all over MN are declaring climate emergencies; they need our support. Thankfully, @RepSamanthaVang’s bill provides funds for cities to build on those declarations and create real action plans. #RealSolutionsRealChampions #ClimateCrisis #mnleg
SierraClubMN
@SierraClubMN
Mar 16
For a fraction of the cost of rail, H Line can deliver faster, more reliable service that provides access to jobs while combating inequality and the climate crisis. Big thanks to lead authors @SydneyJordanMN and her co-authors...#mnleg
SierraClubMN
@SierraClubMN
Mar 15
Thanks to lead author @reprickhansen, and co-authors @davepinto, @jbeckerfinn, @RepFueLee, @KaohlyVangHer, we can bring faster, more reliable and cost-effective service that is proven to increase ridership. No time to wait! @MoveMinnesota @MoveMNAction #mnleg
SierraClubMN
@SierraClubMN
Mar 14
Thanks to lead author @conniebernardy & co-author @ErinKoegel, we are one step closer to increasing job access, stimulating sustainable economic development, addressing inequality, combating climate change & improving air quality and public health. Let’s do it! @MoveMinnesota