JT Haines

Growing up on Minnesota's Mesabi Iron Range meant living on the edge between heavy industry and boundless beauty. To this day I recall my awe at sun-warmed taconite pellets on the tracks, strawberries and blueberries in the wild, and the wonder of northern lakes. Now I hail from Duluth, where the "Big Lake" also provokes the imagination and sustains the community. Unfortunately, our sensitive landscape is under threat, and we have not adequately respected the treaty rights of native nations. At our best, Northern Minnesota instills in each of us a love of place and a deep understanding of what is required to protect it.

JT Haines joined MCEA in 2019. He has a JD from the University of Virginia, MPP from the University of Minnesota, and a BA from Northwestern University. He was formerly an attorney in Minneapolis and public-sector union representative in Duluth. JT is also the Co-founder of the grassroots advocacy group Duluth for Clean Water.