News Topic: Legislature

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05/27/2010 - Now that the 2010 session has ended I’ll follow my past tradition of using the last edition of my session musings to recognize those in the Legislature who championed the environmental cause in the tradition of Sigurd Olson.  I'm probably violating some sort of copyright or writers’ etiquette, but I have affectionately called these recognitions my "Sig” awards in honor of the great Northwoods traveler.

News Topic(s): What's New  News!  Minnesota Stories  Legislature  At the Capitol  

05/18/2010 - Despite the somber finish to the session, there was some good news in the environment area.  Governor Pawlenty signed a bill (HF2624) appropriating more than $26 million in critical investments in our great outdoors from the lottery proceeds.  He did line item veto the funding for one small energy program.  The Governor also signed Omnibus Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Bill; Outdoor Heritage Appropriations (SF3275). The bill contains $58.9 million of Legacy appropriations and all the recommendations of the councils were followed. 

News Topic(s): What's New  News!  Minnesota Stories  Legislature  John Tuma  At the Capitol  

05/14/2010 - The historical twist is this very legislative update, because it will be ancient history by the time you read it, given the pace of session this time a year.  Therefore, to put it in historical context, I’m writing this on Thursday evening.  Most of the information provided below will substantially change so stay tuned.  We will give you an update when and if the session ends.

News Topic(s): What's New  Legislature  Energy  Christine  At the Capitol  

05/11/2010 - About two months ago, I wrote about a bill in the state legislature that would lift the current moratorium against new nuclear (and coal) power plants in our fair state. While I think that nuclear energy has the potential to be a viable energy option in Minnesota in our future, I did not think that Minnesota should have to serve as the guinea pig for nuclear energy.

Well, time moved on as it always seems to do and last week, the bill came up.

News Topic(s): What's New  Legislature  John Tuma  At the Capitol  

05/11/2010 - Did you know that May 11 is Statehood Day in Minnesota?  This is the day Congress ratified Minnesota's acceptance into the Union back in 1858.  The great state of Minnesota is 152 years old today.  In typical historical fashion, the Minnesota legislative session is in the midst of its traditional end of session train wreck this rainy and gloomy Statehood Day.  Here is a brief update on important conservation issues on this Tuesday morning as the session careens to its sudden end. Next