A Brief Note Before We Dive In
I know many of you are feeling uncertain, lost, and disappointed this week. Your feelings are valid, and I share your frustrations. It’s ok to ignore social media, your email, and your phone right now. Please put your mental health first. As a mother, I do this work because I want a bright future for my children and grandchildren. We can’t lose focus on our goals. We can’t give up. It’s ok to grieve, when you’re ready to join us in this fight once again, Clean Water Action Minnesota will be waiting to welcome you with open arms. For those of you ready to think about the future, please find my thoughts below.
Reflecting on the Election: Protecting Our Planet Amid Political Shifts
As the dust settles on this year’s election, it’s clear that we’re at a critical juncture in the movement to protect our environment and public health. This election brought both new challenges and new opportunities. In Minnesota, we’ve seen a narrowing margin of support in the legislature for pro-environment policies, highlighting how delicate progress can be. Nationally, there’s an added layer of uncertainty surrounding the future of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and federal environmental protections as a whole. This shift makes the work we do at the state level even more vital in ensuring that environmental health remains a priority.
The Reality of a Shifting Landscape
With a reduced pro-environment majority in Minnesota, environmental advocates will need to work harder to build alliances across party lines, find common ground, and demonstrate that environmental policies are crucial not only for ecological health but also for the well-being of all Minnesotans. Where we once had a more unified coalition, we’ll now need to forge connections with community members, industry leaders, and legislators from all perspectives who see the value in policies that safeguard our water, air, and natural spaces. Thankfully, I have already been working these last two years in my role as State Director to build these relationships.
This year’s election underscores how much responsibility has shifted to states to fill gaps in environmental protections. With the federal landscape uncertain, Minnesota and other states must lead on critical issues like water quality, air pollution, and climate resilience. From advancing renewable energy initiatives to taking decisive action against toxic chemicals like PFAS, states are on the front lines of environmental advocacy. And in this moment, Minnesota’s role in protecting public health and natural resources has become more crucial than ever.
The Power of Community Action
This shift also highlights the importance of sustained local engagement and grassroots advocacy. While the legislative path at the state level may be more challenging, communities across Minnesota have made it clear they want leaders who prioritize clean water, public health, and environmental stewardship. Local ballot initiatives focused on protecting water sources and addressing pollution saw strong support, showing that people across the state recognize the importance of a healthy environment.
As advocates, it’s our responsibility to educate and mobilize our communities, fostering a strong foundation of support for environmental action from the ground up. Now, more than ever, we need an informed and engaged citizenry to push for change at every level of government, even when the path forward becomes complex.
Holding Leaders Accountable
This election season has underscored the need to hold our leaders accountable at every level. Minnesota’s reduced pro-environment majority means we must be vigilant and strategic in ensuring that our elected officials, regardless of party, honor their responsibility to protect our communities. State leaders, in particular, must understand that voters expect them to take bold action on environmental issues, even amid federal uncertainty. By attending public meetings, building community support, and remaining vocal about our priorities, we can help ensure that those in power act on behalf of environmental health.
Looking Forward: A Call to Action
Although the political landscape may feel uncertain, this moment calls for resilience, collaboration, and creativity. Our dedication to a sustainable, healthy future for all must remain steadfast. By staying engaged, building coalitions, and advancing science-based solutions, we can turn this moment of transition into an opportunity for new, community-driven approaches to environmental progress.
While political landscapes shift, our commitment to protecting the planet—and one another—must remain unwavering. Let’s move forward together with a renewed determination to protect our communities, health, and shared future. This work is more important than ever.
