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 1,500 statewide – are identified in every county. Officials thus far have assessed only 18 percent of the lakes and 14 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 2008 Legislature approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment to be placed on the November 2008 ballot. The amendment would add three-eighths of 1 percent onto Minnesota's sales tax, creating more than $300 million per year in revenue for the state to divvy among environmental and arts causes. A portion of the proceeds would fund the Clean Water Legacy Act.

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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