OUR MISSION
We use law and science to protect Minnesota’s environment, its natural resources, and the health of its people.
For 50 years, we’ve worked in the courts, at the legislature, and with public agencies to enact, strengthen, and enforce smart environmental law. As a trusted source for information about environmental issues we facilitate public engagement and help shape policy. We work in solidarity with communities to protect the environment, especially where people are disproportionately impacted by pollution and social inequities.
We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit advocacy organization, with an in-house team that includes some of Minnesota’s foremost environmental law, policy, and subject-matter experts. Our expertise is a key part of the work needed to build a better future for all Minnesotans. Using the law, we’re protecting our state’s environment, natural resources, and the health of its people.
How we do it
High Impact Legal Battles
Our staff of in-house lawyers take legal actions that create big impacts. We fight against polluters, short-sighted policies, environmental injustices, and dirty politics.
Shaping Policy
Our team of policy analysts, subject-matter experts, and communications professionals is at the Capitol fighting for far-sighted policies and actions, environmental justice and equity, clean and transparent politics.
Forming Partnerships
We are stronger together. That’s why we partner with community members, decision-makers, subject-matter experts and others to work toward common goals.
Lasting environmental wins for Minnesotans
Forty-five years ago, I was part of a group that formed this organization upon the idealistic premise that excellent legal representation, as competent as those representing the well-funded opposition, is essential to long term protection of the environment. MCEA’s continuing success is the fulfillment of the dream of the founders, and an ongoing answer to the intergenerational injustice that faces our grandchildren and future generations. My continued support is not optional, because I love nature and care about our descendants' future.
– Chuck Dayton, MCEA’s first lawyer
I want to help defend Minnesota’s environment today
OUR VISION
MCEA envisions clean water, clean air, healthy ecosystems, a sustainable economy, and improved public health for all Minnesotans. We are committed to growing our capacity and impact to achieve measurable progress toward this vision.
OUR VALUES
INTEGRITY.
We make our decisions based on facts, science, and law.
RESULTS.
Our goal is to achieve positive environmental and public health results, using the range of tools at our disposal.
LONG-TERM PERSPECTIVE.
We are in this for the long haul. We seek long-term, systemic changes, and we recognize that achievements that matter almost always require patience and a sustained effort.
PARTNERSHIPS.
We coordinate our efforts and combine our unique strengths with our partners’ unique strengths to achieve common goals.
RESPECT.
We treat everyone—coworkers, partners, opponents—with respect.
JUSTICE.
We seek fair and equitable outcomes to all people and to future generations.
INCLUSION.
We strive to create a culture where everyone feels accepted and valued. We commit to work alongside our clients and partners to advocate for a Minnesota where everyone has clean air and clean water and environmental burdens are equitably distributed.
The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) is honored to announce its inclusion for the third year running on The NonProfit Times Best Nonprofits to Work For list. MCEA was also included as a 2022 Best Places to Work honoree by the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal.
“MCEA will always strive to ensure our team members feel valued and supported; it empowers our employees to be the best possible advocates protecting Minnesota’s air and water. Our effectiveness as an organization is directly tied to our employees’ health and well-being, both at work and at home,” MCEA’s Chief Executive Officer, Kathryn Hoffman
We are honored to announce, through the generous contribution of John Clark Pegg, the dedication of MCEA's Legal Fellowship to his father John W. Pegg. Click here to learn more.