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2009 State Legislative Priorities


The legislature convened on January 6, 2009. Here is a summary of issues of highest interest to Audubon Minnesota members that will be on the legislature's agenda.

Clean Water Legacy
On November 4, 2008 Audubon passed its highest ranked legislative priority when the voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Constitutional Amendment. This program tests the water quality of lakes and rivers and, when polluted, prepares and implements clean up plans. With just 17 percent of the waters tested and 40 percent of those found to be polluted, our lakes and rivers were in dire need of funding. The Constitutional Amendment funds Clean Water Legacy at an estimated $100 million. In addition, the same amendment will create a wildlife and habitat fund at $100 million and a parks and trails fund at $43 million.

Minimize Off-Highway Vehicle Damage On State Lands
In 2009, Audubon will help to lead the effort to establish a uniform trail policy of closed unless posted open. Since 1999, the legislature has continually revisited policies relating to Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs). Advocates for habitat and wildlife have had some success, but more often legislators pushing for fewer off-highway vehicle restrictions and more rider opportunities have carried the day. In the end, our cherished state forests now have few protections from wanton motor vehicle recreation. To prevent habitat damage, fragmentation and wildlife disturbance, protecting state forests from OHV damage is critical. Audubon will continue to work with its OHV Coalition partners and work to document damage that could impact any of the 60 bird species on its Action List.

Fund DNR And Other Environmental Agencies
Each odd-numbered year the Governor proposes a biennial budget for the state. State agencies that protect the environment have historically taken tough budgetary blows and these cuts threaten the long-term health of Minnesota's precious natural resources. Audubon supports funding for state programs that benefits wildlife habitat, but it will be particularly engaged in support for the Nongame Wildlife Program and the Scientific and Natural Areas Program. Each of these is an important partner to Audubon's Important Bird Area program.

Carbon Reductions To Stop Global Warming
In order to address global warming effectively, carbon emissions must be reduced. The details of a Midwest Cap and Trade effort are still being considered and are not yet ready for this year's legislature. In 2009, the legislature will instead consider a suite of complimentary initiatives to reduce carbon: adopting the California standard for "Clean Cars," counting and capping the carbon content of fuels, incentivizing land use policies that reduce residents' total vehicle miles driven and creating renewable energy credits for wind and solar power. The National Audubon Society has deemed global warming the number one threat to the protection of birds. And while policies need to be adopted federally and internationally, state-by-state leadership continues to be an important catalyst in the fight to reduce global warming.

Other Issues Receiving Support

  • Protect Minnesota's Natural Resources from Unmitigated Mining
  • Re-establish Lottery In-Lieu Funding
  • Comprehensive Land Use Statewide Plan
  • Fund Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species Programs
  • Audubon's strength is through its members. Let us know what issues concern you and how you would like Audubon to work on your behalf. To stay engaged and informed on issues at the 2009 Legislature please fill out and submit the form.