by T.W. Budig
ECM capitol reporter

The Minnesota Environmental Partnership presented its 2008 legislative agenda at the Capitol on Tuesday (Jan. 8), goals supported by some 50 environmental groups across Minnesota, say Partnership officials.

Partnership Executive Director Steve Morse lauded the 2007 legislative session's environmental accomplishments - it was a big step forward, said Morse, a former Department of Natural Resources official.

"But we still have more work to do," he said.

Steve Morse, executive director of The Minnesota Environmental Partnership, outlines 2008 goals at a press conference on Tuesday (Jan. 8).

Rep. Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, is upbeat that the upcoming session will be productive. "I think last year shows that this is really an environmental Legislature," she said.

Additionally, Gov. Tim Pawlenty seems willing to sign environmental legislation, she opined. "That was the one area where we (DFLers and Republicans) were all able to work together," said Hortman,

Outdoor heritage amendment

The Partnership supports passage of the outdoor heritage amendment - a proposed three-eighths increase in the state sales tax - that if approved by voters would channel extra dollars to clean water, arts and cultural heritage, and other areas.

Indeed, Partnership officials urge the immediate passage of the amendment, which was crafted late last session but never receiving a final vote.

The officials believe, because of the presidential election, the proposed amendment will need abundant promotion as not to get lost in the election blitz.

Hortman believes the amendment will pass the Legislature. "We have all the time in the world," she said. "If they (opponents) want to filibuster and talk on and on about it, we'll stay for four days if we have to," said Hortman.

Environmentalists are also pushing for additional clean energy legislation.

For Minnesota, one goal is to require all new cars beginning in model year 2011 to be engineered in such a way to result in a 30 percent overall reduction in emissions by 2016.

Clean car legislation

Hortman is carrying "clean car" legislation in the House.

In addition to supporting statewide transit legislation, the Partnership is also calling for millions in environmental bonding projects.

Crafting a bonding bill will be a main goal of next session.

Included in the proposed environmental bonding projects is funding for Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley as well as money for metro parks and greenways and other projects.

Morse expects the 2008 legislative session to be even better than the 2007.

(Photo by T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter)