Week four is in the books! Through strong collaboration, we've efficiently moved legislation through committee and are gearing up for busy weeks ahead on the House Floor. This week was particularly productive, and here are some exciting developments:
International Women’s Day
Happy International Women's Day! Today we celebrate the strength, diversity, and achievements of women everywhere. It's an honor to serve alongside such powerful women leaders at the Minnesota Legislature who are dismantling systems of violence through policy reform. May we continue to work together to create a more equitable and inclusive world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive!
After two years of dedicated work, I'm thrilled the Minnesota House Environment Committee passed my e-waste bill with a unanimous vote! Today, e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world by a rate of three to five percent globally. Right now, we are only collecting about 20% of our electronic waste. Everything else is either incinerated, landfilled, or sits in our closets and basements. There just are not enough collection sites that are across the entire state of Minnesota.
By passing this bill, we can save our state money by extending the life of our landfills, preventing structure fires created by lithium-ion batteries in our waste stream, and preventing lead and heavy metal pollution from dumped e-waste.
If you missed the hearing, you could watch the recording here: https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18142.
 I also want to thank the MN Zero Waste Coalition for inviting me to speak at their lobby day on the hill! It was exactly the energy I needed before going to present my bill in committee.
Climate and Energy Committee
This Tuesday, I presented my geothermal energy bill to the Climate and Energy Committee. It was well-received and laid over for possible inclusion, which could bring much-needed modernization to the Sabathani Community Center's energy grid.
If you missed the hearing, you could watch the recording here: https://www.house.mn.gov/hjvid/93/898245
Local Climate Action Program
$2.3 million is available to help communities take climate action! The Local Climate Action Program will fund projects that keep our homes safe and loved ones healthy — nonprofits, local governments, and educational institutions should apply by April 30: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/.../local-climate-action-grants
House Approves 101 Environmental Projects
Minnesotans take pride in our legacy of environmental stewardship. That’s why I was proud to vote ‘yes’ legislation to fund 101 projects across our state that protect our wildlife, water, air, and soil.
 The funding, which comes from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, uses a portion of our state lottery proceeds to ensure our environment and natural resources are protected for generations to come.
Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so call or email any time at [email protected] or 651-296-4224. You can also follow my official Facebook page.
Minnesota House of Representatives (66B)
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