Protecting Our Environment (2)

Environmental & Infrastructure Support Strengthens Our Economy and Communities

Protecting the environment isn't just about preserving Minnesota's natural beauty—it's also an investment in safe drinking water, reliable roads and bridges, resilient energy systems, and a strong local economy. Healthy infrastructure protects our communities from changing climate conditions, while thoughtful development safeguards the land and water we depend on.

Infrastructure Is Environmental Policy

In the 2026 legislative session, Sen. Steve Green, Sen. Paul Utke, Rep. Krista Knudsen, and Rep. Mike Wiener voted against Minnesota's major capital investment and bonding bill (HF719). The bipartisan bill funds drinking water and wastewater systems, bridge repairs, environmental restoration, and other essential infrastructure.

Without these investments, communities face higher local taxes, delayed repairs, aging infrastructure, and increased costs over time.

DFL Senate District 6 candidate Denise Slipy supports investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and expanding affordable, cleaner energy to reduce long-term utility costs for Minnesota families.

As Senate District 5 candidate Skylar Fynboh notes, delaying these investments doesn't eliminate costs—it simply shifts them into the future, when repairs become far more expensive.

Protecting Minnesota's Outdoors

Three local Republican legislators (Rep. Wiener, Rep. Knudsen and Sen. Utke) consistently vote against conservation bills, including the Omnibus Outdoor Heritage Fund (SF2077) bill, which appropriated over $191 million for more than 50 conservation, land acquisition, and habitat restoration programs across the state.  Rep. Wiener, Senators Green and Utke voted “no” to the Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund (SF 3857), which means denying over $100 million in funding to 109 projects across the state to support the environment. It also denies a second round of funding to the new Community Grants program, which increases access to ENRTF funding for smaller groups and projects.

Without these investments, Minnesota risks declining water quality, reduced fishing and recreation opportunities, weaker tourism, and higher long-term environmental and public health costs. These projects also support jobs in construction, restoration, research, engineering, and local contracting.

House District 6A candidate Sam Grigsby emphasizes creating new jobs while protecting Minnesota's land, forests, and waters for future generations.

House District 2B candidate Emily Thabes highlights support for helping farmers adopt conservation practices, noting that healthy soils reduce flooding, improve water quality, and strengthen farms during drought.

Investing in Energy Independence

Minnesota has committed to building a carbon-free electricity system while expanding renewable energy production. Continued investment helps communities adapt to increasing droughts, flooding, wildfire smoke, and other climate-related challenges that affect public health, agriculture, tourism, and natural resources.

Residents already see these impacts, from smoke-filled summers that limit outdoor recreation to changing conditions affecting fishing, maple syrup production, and wild rice harvesting.

Tami Motz, a member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, shares how these weather disruptions affect her community and anyone who relies on or enjoys hunting and foraging. “Warmer lakes hold less oxygen, which limits the fish population. Maple trees have to freeze at night and warm during the day to move sap up and down the trunk for collection, warmer winters confuse the trees so we have less sap to make into syrup. The droughts dry up wild rice beds preventing reseeding, and the stronger storms take the rice before it’s ripe.”

Skylar Fynboh argues that locally owned clean energy—such as home solar and rural electric cooperatives—can strengthen local economies, lower energy costs, and reduce dependence on outside energy sources.

Choosing Long-Term Investment

Infrastructure, conservation, and clean energy are long-term investments that protect public health, support local businesses, create jobs, and preserve Minnesota's outdoor economy.

Voters deserve to know where candidates stand on these issues and how their votes affect the communities they represent.

 by Marty Cook, Walker MN