Environmental groups lay out legislative agenda

Minnesota State Capitol
Minnesota State Capitol
MPR Photo / Nikki Tundel

Eighty groups in the Minnesota Environmental Partnership (MEP) have agreed on a legislative agenda.

This year they're asking for quick passage of the great outdoors and heritage amendment, a constitutional amendment dedicating sales tax revenue to outdoor projects and the arts.

They also want the legislature to authorize a cap-and-trade system that is designed to reduce carbon emissions.

And finally, they want money for transportation, especially transit projects.

MEP Director Steve Morse says he expects legislators and Governor Pawlenty will take meaningful action.

"On issues such as global warming, the governor has been very supportive, and very helpful, and signed the legislation last year, and we look for that continuing leadership," says Morse.

Morse says his groups have nearly half a million members across Minnesota.

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