EQB Quarterly Newsletter, Spring 2024 banner with a background of a waterfall with some ice that's melting




Photo of pen laying on a journal
*A note from Executive Director, Catherine Neuschler*

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the inaugural edition of EQB's newsletter. Our staff wanted to find an informal way to keep you all up to date on our work, in an easy-to-access format. Because we know email overwhelm is also a reality, we plan to only release this newsletter quarterly.

My first year as Executive Director has gone by in a flash. From digging in to the details of environmental review, to talking with the Board about our strategic plan, to reading all the great reports the staff put together, I have learned so much. In the past few weeks, I've seen many of you at the Capitol as we track and evaluate bills that impact Minnesota's environment - particularly a few around environmental review.

In the next few months, I'm particularly looking forward to:


* Sharing out and getting input on a draft strategic plan for the next five years of EQB's work
* Adding helpful information about environmental review to our newly re-designed website
* Working with our sister agencies to dig into when environmental review is required (and what changes should be considered), as we work on the 2024 mandatory categories report

I hope this newsletter helps you feel more connected to the EQB team and the work we do. Many of us - myself included - are still relatively new; we may not have had a chance to cross paths with all of you that are interested in connecting with our work. As you see items that interest you, or if you have projects you?re working on that might be of interest to us, please reach out. We are always happy to learn more about your perspectives and what you?re working on. ?



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Bulletin Board

Applications are open!

Apply now [ [link removed] ] to join the EQB as a Public Board Member representing Minnesota's 7th Congressional District, which covers the majority of Western Minnesota. Serving on the Environmental Quality Board is a unique opportunity to shape environmental issues in Minnesota. Public Board Members bring the voices of Minnesotans from around the state into decision making, helping the Board think in new ways about environmental challenges and solutions. FAQ can be found on our website. [ [link removed] ]

To find your district, visit the Minnesota Legislature GIS map page [ [link removed] ]. [ [link removed] ]

Screenshot of our webpage
*New year, new website*

Visited our website recently? Our website went through a major update in mid-January. It's now easier to navigate and find what you need! Our team worked hard to make sure the transition went smoothly, but if you come across any issues, please reach out to [email protected].?



*EQB Website* [ [link removed] ]


Check out the latest publication of the Minnesota Environment and Energy Report Card

Cover page of the 2024 Minnesota Environment and Energy Report Card [ [link removed] ]

We're happy to announce the latest edition of our environment and energy report. Compiled with the help of staff from several state agencies, the Minnesota Environment and Energy Report Card provides valuable information for the public and policymakers on the condition of Minnesota?s environment, how it is being impacted by environmental threats, and what is being done in response.

To read out newest report card and check out previous editions, please visit our website [ [link removed] ] for more info.?

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Environmental Review: Behind the scenes with Jesse Krzenski

Jesse giving presentation at Macalaster

Jesse is our Environmental Review Program Administrator for the EQB. He's the one you'll likely hear from when you call 651-757-2873, our environmental review line, or email [email protected] with any questions.?

For this first edition of our newsletter, I wanted to try and connect with those participating in the program. My environmental career has been heavily shaped at the local level having worked for Scott County for a number of years before starting with the EQB.? I have a background in geology and worked as a geologist in the oil and gas field prior to working at the County. I jumped straight into environmental review by participating in the ongoing process of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a frac sand mine project at the Draft EIS stage. Before this, I had no knowledge of what environmental review even was. Since that first EIS I fell in love with the program and have gone on to work on many projects requiring environmental review, gaining experience in all aspects of the program. This work provided me an opportunity to expand my knowledge in all the different processes of environmental review and quite a few different project types. I am often using my experiences to help Responsible Governmental Units understand environmental review and provide technical assistance in implementing the program. Hopefully, this little snippet of my history will help create connections to all of you working through environmental review and serve as a reminder that EQB is here to help you understand the program and provide guidance when needed.??



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Pollinators: Preparing for Spring

Spring flower

Fun fact: About 70% of wild plants in North America depend on the work of insects, mostly bees, to reproduce. These pollinators need diverse plants throughout the growing seasons to thrive. If you need ideas and resources to learn more about planting pollinator-friendly plants and other ways to help these valuable creatures visit our pollinator page [ [link removed] ].

Photo: Jessica Petersen



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Did you know?

Minnesota?s landmark environmental policy celebrated its 50th anniversary last year! The Minnesota Environmental Protection Act (MEPA) was passed in 1973. To mark this milestone, EQB invited journalist Stephanie Hemphill to gather comments from businesses, agencies, environmental groups, and Tribal governments as to what MEPA has accomplished. How have we done in the past 50 years? Read the "MEPA turns 50" [ [link removed] ] article on our website.

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Before you go...

To continue receiving this newsletter, please sign up for our News and Updates email list. We'll send out quarterly newsletters, position openings, and other timely events while also being mindful of not overloading your inbox.?

*Subscribe* [ [link removed] ]








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Email: [email protected] | Phone: 651-757-2873

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