Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Priorities & Grassroots

Clean water and clean air are essential to the health of our state’s economy and citizens. The issues demand immediate attention if we are to reduce threats to commercial/industrial and residential developments as well as our sensitive ecosystem.

Impaired waters as defined by the federal Clean Water Act - nearly 2,300 statewide – are identified in every county. Officials thus far have assessed only 16 percent of the lakes and 10 percent of the streams in Minnesota. Of waters monitored, about 40 percent do not meet federal water quality standards. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, in 2003, estimated the long-term cost to restore these waters to range from $600 million to $3 billion.

The 2007 Legislature appropriated $54 million for funding the Clean Water Legacy Act in FY 2008-2009. In another important development, the Minnesota Supreme Court supported the state’s efforts to clean up impaired waters by allowing the cities of Annandale and Maple Lake to build a joint wastewater treatment facility to service the growing communities. Had the permit been denied, it would have threatened numerous permits for new or expanded facilities, and thus hindered business development.

Greenhouse gases are a serious issue, but Minnesota by itself has a limited ability to bring about a globally significant reduction in emissions. The problem must be addressed at the national and international levels. Actions taken by the state must not put Minnesota's economy at a competitive disadvantage.

» Project Green Fleet
» State Agencies
» State Legislature

AT THE MINNESOTA CHAMBER, CONTACT:
Tony Kwilas, director of environmental policy
(651) 292-4668
tkwilas@mnchamber.com

Mike Robertson, environmental consultant
(651) 337-1306
mrobertson@mnchamber.com

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