“This proposal is a great step forward and an example of the scale of the actions Minnesota needs to take to respond to the climate crisis,” said MEP Executive Director Steve Morse. “Climate disruptions are costing Minnesotans more and more each year, and we believe the smartest financial decision we can make is to go all in on a rapid shift from fossil fuels. We can either reap the rich rewards of decarbonization now, or pay the unthinkably steep price of inaction later.”

“Minnesota should be a leader on climate justice, but we’re falling short,” said Margaret Levin, State Director for the Sierra Club North Star Chapter. “More and more Minnesotans are demanding real climate action, and this proposal expands on the strong vision put forth by House environmental champions last year. We look forward to seeing this package of investments reflected in the Governor’s forthcoming budget proposals.”

“The Land Stewardship Project (LSP) applauds the House Climate Action caucus for crafting a strong proposal that ensures our soil, farmers, and rural communities thrive,” said Deb Allan, Board Chair of LSP and retired soil scientist. “By bolstering the Soil Health Cost-Share program, the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, commercialization of continuous living cover crops, and the Forever Green Initiative, we will see a tangible impact on the resiliency of our land and the health of our farmers and rural economies.”

“It’s great to see these proposed robust investments in new ‘continuous living cover’ agricultural systems that are good for farmers as well as for our rivers, lakes and clean drinking water for all,” said Whitney Clark, Executive Director of Friends of the Mississippi River. “From the exciting development of new crops to growing stronger markets to sell the crops, this is an important down payment on the future of a more prosperous and sustainable agriculture in Minnesota.”