5 staff takes on Walz's environmental record

By MCEA staff

Now that Tim Walz has been selected as Kamala Harris’ running mate, everybody seems to want to know everything about our Minnesota governor, including his record on the environment. Here’s a round-up of what some of our staff think: 

MCEA CEO Kathryn Hoffman: 

"Walz has shown leadership on some important environmental issues in Minnesota and has even been able to galvanize some bipartisan support at a time when that is not the norm - including for a nation-leading PFAS ban. 

We’re excited to have him representing Minnesota and believe he’ll be an asset to the ticket. At this critical time in the climate crisis, we’ve seen him champion the investments needed for our collective future, including recent legislation for 100% carbon-free energy in Minnesota by 2040. 

Walz’s own executive agencies have not been as strong on protecting our water from the threats of sulfide mining and agricultural water pollution. I hope that Walz uses his national stage and ability to reach a wide range of voters to champion solutions to these problems - which are not limited to Minnesota - that prioritize protection of clean water, Indigenous rights, and local communities."

Supervising Attorney Joy Anderson on what it will mean to have Peggy Flanagan move into the governor's seat.

"Lieutenant Governor Flanagan has had a long-standing focus on improving the lives of people in poverty and people of color, which lines up strongly with our environmental justice work. Having her in the governor’s seat could open up exciting opportunities for our work with under-resourced communities."  

Chief Legal Officer Leigh Currie

"Walz has been a climate hawk for Minnesota. The 100% carbon-free by 2040 bill was monumental and we’re excited to see what he can do on climate in Washington. We hope that climate change becomes a central issue for the Harris-Walz campaign."

Program Associate Akilah Sanders-Reed, who spent years fighting the Line 3 tar sands oil pipeline before joining MCEA. 

"Although Governor Walz has been clear that the climate crisis is urgent, his climate record is tarnished by his approval of Line 3, which violated Anishinaabe treaties and has the equivalent annual climate impact of 50 coal plants. If elected as Vice President, I hope Tim Walz steps up to holistically act on climate by stopping new fossil fuel projects."

Northeastern Minnesota Program Director JT Haines

"I am excited about the opportunity here, for all involved. We should acknowledge that, as Governor, Tim Walz has not taken the opportunity to take a stand on the threat of sulfide mining and extractivism generally, and has even doubled down on supporting the flawed PolyMet proposal. I would love to see a new conversation here and in DC that better centers critical habitat, downstream communities, and the rights of Indigenous people."

Walz’s ability to reach across the aisle, talk to a broad audience, and even de-politicize some of these issues, as much as possible at least, has been impressive. It seems like this pick is a signal that the Harris campaign is prioritizing climate change as a crisis. If elected, we hope he uses his position to protect our shared environment at the national level.