by Peter Wagenius
The North Star Chapter began the 2021-2022 state legislative biennium with ambitious priorities set by our volunteer leadership, and aligned with our broader goals. If passed, these bills would help all Minnesotans by ensuring clean air and water, protected lands, greater environmental justice, and a stable climate for future generations.
With a divided legislature and an anti-environment majority in the Senate, we approached the biennium with tempered short-term expectations and a long-term plan. Together our volunteer leaders, supporters and staff worked with partners to pressure legislators through meetings, lobbying, and action alerts; and by hosting meetings, rallies, and events.
Steps Forward in 2021
In that context, we achieved some significant steps forward in 2021:
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Solar energy investments, including solar on schools, solar on higher education institutions, and solar on landfills.
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Funding for the METRO E and F Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines, a second daily train to Chicago, transition toward Zero Emissions buses, and investments in walking and biking options.
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Investments in clean energy jobs and equitable workforce development.
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A “Buy Clean” pilot, to reduce emissions in building materials.
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The ECO act, a common sense update to Minnesota’s energy efficiency policy.
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PFAS ban on food packaging
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Increasing forests’ ability to sequester carbon
All of this was possible because 2021 was a budget year which means our legislative champions had the leverage of “must-pass” bills needed to prevent a government shutdown.
Knowing that the Senate would block the biggest actions, we also did important work to pass historic policies through the House, big bills that would have accomplished what is needed to address the climate crisis:
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An Omnibus Energy Bill including 100% clean electricity by 2040
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An Omnibus Transportation Bill with ongoing funding to build a complete transit network, statewide electric vehicle infrastructure, and more
These bills demonstrate what will be possible in 2023, with a better legislature in place.
Defense
On the defensive side, we:
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Led a coalition of organizations to successfully block a proposal to mandate the sale of E15, a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline. Producing more ethanol delays real clean transportation solutions and pollutes our water and climate.
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Blocked attempts to repeal the Clean Cars Standards.
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Stopped Republican hand-outs to corporations.
2022: Historic Surplus, But No “Must Pass” Bills
In 2022, there were no “must pass” bills, and as we anticipated, that made it really challenging to force a compromise that would include the investments we wanted.
Sierra Club knew that the greatest opportunities would be related to the billions of dollars from the state surplus and federal infrastructure funding. In 2022, lawmakers have a chance to enact historic investments put forward by the House Climate Caucus in its $1 billion Build MN Climate Budget: directing resources from the state surplus to proven climate solutions that also create jobs, lower energy bills, and support communities of color. In our #RealSolutionsRealChampions series of social media posts, we’ve been highlighting individual bills from this package and the legislators who proposed them, showing that proven solutions are possible right now.
Activists advocating for a Prove It First sulfide mining
moratorium. Photo credit: Tom Thompson
We also continued working for policies like a Prove it First sulfide mining moratorium, advancing environmental justice through the Frontline Communities Protection Act, reducing road salt pollution, and keeping toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” out of our homes, soil, air, and water. And we fought back against a proposal by anti-environment legislators to take 100% of the sales tax on auto parts out of the state General Fund and direct it to highways and roads – with none for transit.
At press time, the 2022 regular session deadline had ended with few bills passed, and the Senate not supporting a special session to finish their work. Watch our blog and website for further updates.
Serious Climate Action Blocked By Fossil Fuel Interests, Allied Politicians
Looking back, we can trace the obstruction of serious climate action to fossil fuel interests like Flint Hills Refinery and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. In the Democratic-controlled House, the two critical omnibus bills passed with every Democrat voting in favor. This shows that Democrats are more united than ever to take real action for our climate.
Meanwhile over in the Senate, all Republicans voted that climate change is not caused by human activity. That’s right; while House Democrats are working on solutions, Senate Republicans are still denying the climate crisis is even real.
While it is disappointing to see climate denial and false solutions being put forward, there are many reasons to stay engaged and hopeful. Together with allies we are building awareness, energy, and momentum for real climate solutions.
Climate Elections Coming In Fall 2022
The fight ahead is one we can win.This summer and fall we will be back doorknocking, overcoming the noise and big money donors through in-person connections and grassroots organizing. Several Senate seats have gotten bluer through redistricting. When we win a few more Senate seats, we can pass big climate bills that are ready to go. Join us on the trail to make it happen.
Peter Wagenius is the Political and Legislative Director at the North Star Chapter, a proud parent of two young girls, and baker of great millet bread.