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Audubon
Minnesota
2009
State Legislative Priorities
The legislature will convene 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 below.
2009
Federal Priorities
Election Results Bring Conservation
Opportunity and Need for Action
Statement of Audubon President and CEO John Flicker
following the election of President-elect Obama and the new
Congress.
“Voters in this historic election
cast their ballots not only for change, but for a new era
of hope for our environment, and the people, birds, and other
wildlife that depend on it. Washington has been ignoring critical
environmental issues for too long. President-elect Barack
Obama and a more environmentally aware Congress offer the
promise of leadership and fundamental change that could usher
in new protections for America’s great natural heritage,
and a new lease on life for species in decline.
“Despite real reason for optimism,
we cannot take conservation gains for granted. Audubon is
committed to helping the new Administration and Congress to
live up to their great promise; and to make conservation,
clean energy and green jobs part of America’s path to
a brighter tomorrow.
“Through our local Chapters, state
offices and national grass roots efforts, Audubon will join
with others in the environmental community to ensure that
our newly elected leaders lead the way on issues vital to
our environment, our economy and diversity of life on Earth.”
Issues demanding prompt attention include:
Presidential Appointments:
- President-elect Obama should start by appointing to key
environmental positions within his Administration qualified
leaders who will defend our clean air and water, protect
habitat and endangered species, aggressively address global
warming, and steward our great natural heritage for future
generations.
Scientific Integrity:
- The Department of the Interior should systematically review
and reverse decisions made by the past Administration under
the Endangered Species Act that were influenced by political
considerations and not based on sound science.
- President-elect Obama should send a clear signal to everyone
in his administration to restore and respect scientific
integrity in all environmental decisions.
Global Warming and Renewable Energy:
- President-elect Obama has said that: “We cannot
afford more of the same timid politics when the future of
our planet is at stake.” He’s right. We
welcome the opportunity to help him deliver his promised
$150 billion plan for clean energy technologies that would
protect our environment and stimulate the economy, creating
up 5 million new green jobs.
- The Congress should pass legislation providing significant
incentives for development of renewable energy such as a
strong Renewables Portfolio Standard and a long-term extension
of the Production Tax Credit, and pass significant legislation
to address global warming with a comprehensive cap-and-trade
program.
- The new Administration and Congress must lead a transformation
in American energy production and use through investments
in energy efficiency and clean energy technologies. This
can minimize the fluctuation of gas prices while protecting
our beaches, coastal ecosystems and the Alaskan landscape
from the threats of oil and gas drilling.
Endangered Species Conservation:
- We’ll work with the Administration to secure reversal
of the Bush administration’s weakening of the Endangered
Species Act, such as the controversial decision to allow
agencies to self-consult regarding the impacts of federally-approved
projects on endangered species.
- Congress should pass new tax incentives to encourage private
landowners to work toward recovery of endangered species.
Bird and Habitat Conservation:
- The Administration and the Congress should reinvest in
the National Wildlife Refuge System and address the unacceptable
$3.5 billion maintenance backlog crippling this critical
tool for conservation.
- The Congress should pass legislation to conserve neotropical
migratory birds and address the steep declines in America’s
common birds that are disappearing from parks, farms, and
backyards across the country.
Ecosystem Restoration:
- The Administration and the Congress should fund significant
new restoration projects to improve the status of America’s
great natural ecosystems: The Mississippi River, the Everglades,
Long Island Sound, and the Great Lakes.
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