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As we have moved into a new year and then eased from winter to spring, we have a lot going on.
Procedurally the board elected its vice chair for the year and the chair of our Environmental Review Implementation Subcommittee. Thanks to Nick Martin and Commissioner Sarah Strommen for being willing to serve in those positions for 2025.
And of course, here in Minnesota, we kick off our legislative session. People have a lot of different feelings about the legislative process, and probably even more about its outcomes! But there’s no doubt that it impacts everyone, especially those of us in state government. This year, of course, is a budget year. The Governor’s budget recommendations for EQB do not include any new budget initiatives but do include a small budget increase to make sure we can keep up with inflation and operating cost increases and maintain our current programs. EQB is funded by about 85% from the general fund and 15% from the environmental fund, with most of our funding going towards staff salaries.
I’ve spent a good bit of time this session in committee hearings. There is a lot of interest this year in environmental review, but within that space the topics have been diverse. They range from the staff’s recommendations for environmental review as part of a temporary framework for gas (helium and hydrogen production), to discussions of appropriate environmental review for data centers given their energy and water use, to the topic of petitions and regulatory and government efficiency. If I put in any more details, they will no doubt be outdated by the time you read this newsletter, so I’ll stop there! We’ll talk more about the effects of any legislation once we have final outcomes.
I’m always happy for the opportunity to talk to legislators and others to support them in making informed decisions about issues that impact Minnesota’s environmental quality, and I am so grateful to our staff for jumping to pull together data and information on key issues, often on short notice. Despite how often I’ve been in committee hearings, sometimes I still look up at the white marble of the Capitol and the golden quadriga, silhouetted against the blue sky, and I find it amazing that I get to help shape the policy and legislation that impacts Minnesotans and protects their environment. It’s a pretty great feeling. I hope spring brings you to spaces where you can find a similar sense of wonder.
Stay connected by visiting our new Engagement webpage!
We’re trying to make it easier for all of you to engage in our work. We’ve created a landing page on our website that helps you stay up to date on the projects currently open for your feedback. We’ve already had a couple opportunities this year and expect to have a few more in the coming months. Check our website for more info and to stay tuned on what’s to come!
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New guidance webpages
Environmental Review staff are updating EQB guidance documents to increase accuracy and accessibility. About Environmental Review provides the basics for all audiences while Guidance for Practitioners reviews the Environmental Assessment Worksheet process. Take a peek at the new format, now live on the website!
Switching to web-based guidance offers greater functionality, including improved accessibility for screen readers and other assistive technologies. Staff were also able to streamline content and incorporate recent updates. The new format features frequently asked questions and includes in-text links to key documents, making it easy to quickly access the information you need. By fall, EQB plans to publish updated petition and AUAR guidance online as well.
 On April 17, EQB environmental review staff held an “ER 101” webinar. A huge thank you to all that joined and for sharing your great questions!
This is the first in a planned series of webinars with a goal of providing information about environmental review on a regular basis and creating a community of practice for those interested. Watch the EQB Monitor or follow our social media accounts for a calendar of events and registration. If you have a topic you’re interested in hearing more about for a future webinar, send us an email at env.review@state.mn.us.
Be sure to fill out our survey to tell us how we did and what we should include in upcoming webinars.
Greenhouse gas calculator
Our staff are currently finalizing the Climate Calculator Tool to help provide a measurement of greenhouse gas emissions required by question 18 of the Environmental Assessment Worksheet.
A draft version of that calculator is currently available to the public for public input. We are currently accepting feedback on the calculator through April 25th on our Engagement HQ page.
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Early May: Calculator finalized
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May: Review draft report and user manual
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May 21st: Board update on report, user manual, and training
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Late May - June: Calculator training
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July 1st: Calculator and documentation officially released
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- 2025 Groundwater Policy Report
- Environmental review rulemaking
- Summer pollinator events
- Fiscal year 2026 workplan
- Youth engagement program
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The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board was established in 1972 by an Executive Order from Governor Wendell Anderson, and then formally codified by the legislature in 1973. That same year, Governor Anderson signed a dozen major environmental laws into effect on May 21, including the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act (MEPA), Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and Critical Areas Act. This flurry of legislative activity marked a pinnacle of environmental commitment in the state, positioning Minnesota as a national leader in environmental policy during that era.
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