MCEA September Newsletter
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In this edition of MCEA’s Environmental Monitor:
- Breaking news from the Public Utilities Commission
- Discover how we’re decarbonizing the power sector
- An invitation to join us at Defending True North
- Watch the recording of our latest webinar - Complicating Chevron
- Check out a recent op-ed from Northeastern MN Program Director JT Haines
- Learn more about our CAFO comment from Supervising Attorney Joy Anderson
- An exciting opportunity to join the MCEA team
- Trivia: What year did MCEA first “blast the state lottery” for not investing more in our environmental trust?
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Your reminder to check out this year’s Oratorio Concert with MCEA
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Two months ago, we reported that industry interests were trying to undermine Minnesota's new 100 percent law by urging the Public Utilities Commission to allow false climate solutions to qualify as carbon free. Last week, the PUC weighed in, weakening Minnesota's landmark climate law.
Click here for our press release
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The fight against climate change is often framed around the choices we make as individuals - but what about the things we don’t have control over, like where our electricity comes from? That takes systemic change. That’s why MCEA is at the Public Utilities Commission, using our expertise to fight for the large-scale shifts we need to make a difference in carbon emissions.
Hear from our Climate Program Director Amelia Vohs on the path to decarbonizing the power sector - and what pushed her to commit her career to fighting climate change.
Defending True North is in less than two weeks! Over 200 people have already signed up for this engaging and inspiring outdoor fall event on the banks of the Mississippi River. And we’re so grateful to have more than 30 people supporting the event as Champions or Co-Hosts – check out the full list here.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary, we're proud to present a climate-centered event where we link arms with supporters and partners to protect the air, water, and health of our communities.
Whether you want to join the Champions and Co-Hosts or just need a few tickets, purchasing in advance is the way to save over prices at the door. We hope to see you on October 13!
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We were thrilled to join with Earthjustice to offer a webinar on how the Supreme Court Chevron decision could impact the future of environmental issues in the courts.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this important discussion. It runs the gamut from national trends around agency oversight, to potentially surprising insights. As MCEA CEO Kathryn Hoffman said about one of our own cases, ”When courts are more likely to take a hard look at an agency decision, sometimes that’s good for the environmental side.” Find out which MCEA case she's referencing by checking out the webinar at the link below.
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Hundreds of supporters signed on to our comment to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency advocating for a stronger water pollution permit for large animal feedlots. This sends a clear signal that Minnesotans care about clean water and bolsters our request to the MPCA.
Read the breakdown of the comment and why it matters from Supervising Attorney Joy Anderson.
After news broke that PolyMet is reconsidering key aspects of its permit, our Northeastern Minnesota Program Director JT Haines didn’t want PolyMet’s misleading press release to have the last word.
As he says, “This is how PolyMet’s announcement must be understood: as an overdue and necessary admission of failure, not some rare act of corporate beneficence from an international exploiter.”
Check out his op-ed challenging the unproven spin of “more responsible” sulfide-mining.
MCEA is looking for a new Legislative Director. We seek an experienced government relations professional who shares our mission, vision, and values, understands Minnesota’s environmental laws, and knows how to make change at the Minnesota Legislature. Help us create a strategic legislative agenda that shapes Minnesota’s environment and protects the health of its people.
Learn more about the position here.
If you know someone who would be passionate about this work, please forward them this message.
MCEA is excited to partner with the Oratorio Society of Minnesota on the Midwest debut of a new environmental-themed piece called A Passion for the Planet. The concerts will kickoff with a welcome speech by our CEO, Kathryn Hoffman. Some of our team will also be in the lobby and excited to connect with you.
If you use the following links to buy your tickets, a $5 contribution will be made to MCEA. We hope to see you Saturday, November 16 or Sunday, November 17!
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With the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENTRF) back on the ballot, we want to remind supporters to vote yes for this important legacy of environmental funding. Not voting on the item counts as a “no” vote.
MCEA has long known how important these funds are for protecting our state’s environment.
What year did MCEA publish a report that led to significant changes, increased funding, and the appointment of a new Lottery director?
a) 1997
b) 2013
c) 1979
d) 2003
Get the answer and read the original Star Tribune article