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Dear neighbors,
I hope you and your loved ones have been able to spend some time outdoors this summer! I’m looking forward to visiting the North Shore next week and doing some camping later in the year. This week, I wanted to share some in-depth information about the bipartisan Environment and Natural Resources budget I helped develop.
Highlight: Environment and Natural Resources Budget
When my colleagues and I began negotiating with Senate Republicans, they threatened not to pass this budget unless the state halted plans to enact clean car standards. Fortunately, the final agreement we made with Senate Republicans allows Minnesota to keep moving forward on clean car standards – which will reduce pollution and protect the environment – and funds the Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Board of Water and Soil Resources and will help protect our air, land, water, and wildlife.
Our bipartisan budget protects people and the environment from pollution and harmful chemicals, addresses serious issues like chronic wasting disease (CWD) and invasive species, and creates more opportunities for Minnesotans – especially children and teenagers – to get outdoors. It also invests nearly $132.27 million from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund in 165 important projects. These investments, which Senate Republicans blocked last year, will help preserve and enhance our environment for future generations of Minnesotans. Other investments will:
- Identify and reduce sources of PFAS, “forever chemicals” that may increase health risks
- Invest in tree planting and carbon sequestration strategies to help fight climate change
- Help communities prevent and manage emerald ash borer (EAB) infestations
- Support programs like No Child Left Inside that encourage kids and teenagers to get outdoors and participate in recreational activities
- Help stop the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) with stronger funding and regulations
- Establish a water quality and storage program to mitigate the impact of climate change
- Assess and maintain air, water, and soil quality
If you have any questions, ideas, or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact me by email at rep.ami.wazlawik@house.mn or by phone at (651) 296-3018.
Sincerely,
Ami Wazlawik
State Representative
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