2008 Session Wrap up
Thursday, May 22, 2008

On three of the top four priorities of the Minnesota Environmental Partnership, the Minnesota Legislature made significant and in some cases historic - progress. Especially important was legislative action on funding bills to make crucial long-term investments to protect and restore Minnesota's Great Outdoors.

Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment
In the first week of session, the Minnesota Legislature approved this historic constitutional amendment, which will be on the November 2008 ballot. Voters will be able to approve dedicated funding for Minnesota's lakes, rivers and streams; forests and natural areas; arts and cultural heritage; parks and wildlife habitat; and drinking water. This accomplishment followed 10 years of debate and discussion.

Transportation Choices 2020
The Minnesota Legislature made history by overriding the Governor's veto to provide funds to relieve traffic congestion, expand transit, and improve Minnesota's roads. The long-overdue funds will create a transportation system with multiple options to get people where they need to go. In addition to reducing traffic congestion and getting us where we need to go, increased transit options are a critical part of the solution to reduce Minnesota's global warming pollution.

Capital Investments
Outdoor Traditions Investments: While not every important project was funded, the Minnesota Legislature and Governor Tim Pawlenty did approve long-term investments with a strong emphasis on protecting Minnesota's lakes, rivers and streams; conserving lands; and maintaining and enhancing parks and trails. Of the 29 projects included in MEPs original bonding package, 20 projects totaling $114.65 million survived to become law.

Central Corridor Light Rail Line and Lake Vermilion State Park: The session ended on a high note with the passage of a supplemental bonding bill that included funding for these two projects, which are crucial to protecting Minnesotas future, our economy and our way of life. By funding these signature projects the Minnesota Legislature and Governor Pawlenty contributed to a proud legacy to pass on to our children and grandchildren.

Clean Energy Initiatives Missed Opportunities

Much debate at the Capitol this year centered on how to take the right steps toward energy independence and reducing global warming pollution. Legislators needed to take real action in order to reach the goal, set by law in 2007, to reduce global warming pollution by 80 percent by 2050. Unfortunately, state lawmakers missed opportunities this session to take the next steps necessary to move toward greater energy independence.

Green Solutions
We are pleased that the Legislature provided funding for cost and benefits studies related to a regional cap & trade system to reduce global warming pollution. However, we are disappointed that the legislature passed up an important opportunity to shape the regional policy by not taking a more specific action outlining Minnesota's stance before Gov. Pawlenty meets with other Midwest governors this fall.

Cleaner Cars
Legislation that would have reduced emissions from new cars and trucks was defeated in a Senate committee during the last week of the legislative session. We are disappointed that a few lawmakers failed to realize that this legislation is about Minnesota keeping our air clean and lowering our pain at the gas pump. The good news is that some agriculture groups now understand that this legislation will help farmers by boosting the ethanol industry; keeping hard-working trucks and equipment on the road; and cleaning up our air at the same time. Passing the Clean Cars Act would have been an important milestone in moving toward cleaner air, lower global warming pollution and greater energy independence.

Growing Better Fuels
Unfortunately, the Legislature missed the opportunity to lay the groundwork for the next generation of biofuels and ethanol in the sessions first bonding legislation. We will continue to work with farmers, industry, researchers and legislators to reach agreement on the best mechanism to grow better energy fuels, while protecting our water and lands.

While we still have plenty of work to do, especially on clean energy initiatives, we made some significant progress for Minnesota's lakes, rivers, streams, forests, prairies, natural areas, parks and trails this session. This success cannot be achieved without the demonstrated support of residents from around Minnesota. Thank you for your support and thank you for taking action when you received the Action Alert e-mails this session.