The Clean Energy Team was active at the legislature this year—testifying, attending hearings, talking to legislators, joining rallies, and writing letters to the editor on legislative topics. Despite the virtual tie between Republicans and Democrats in the Senate and house, we still managed to get some things done, including the following:
- Bonding money for the East Phillips neighborhood rough Depot site garden
- Delivered a strong message to Governor Walz and the legislature with respect to the “people not polluters” Campaign
- Successfully fought off attempts to cut transit funding and increase data center tax credits
Looking ahead to the next legislative session, we are planning to work with other North Star Chapter teams to support a strong bill to protect Minnesota from the harms caused by data centers.
With assistance from North Star Chapter staff, we helped instigate an education program on electric vehicles that will be available shortly to North Star Chapter members.
The CET is also actively participating in protecting the Boundary Waters from sulfide mining, with a focus on state government activities to offset the federal government's desire to allow a Chilean mining firm to build a mine next to the BWCA.