Following several years of historic investments in Minnesota’s environment and natural resources, this year, by comparison, did not include passage of many large, new items and instead prioritized passing commonsense policy and spending items that would see bipartisan support. While one piece of consequential legislation failed to pass the tied House – the battery product stewardship program – Senate DFLers championed legislation to make important investments in programs and institutions that protect our environment and connect Minnesotans with the wonders of the natural world.
PASSED
Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund investments
This year’s ENRTF spending bill included over $102 million for over 100 projects around the state as well as nearly $30 million for the new Community Grants program for small, local environment-related projects. (HF 3426)
LCCMR highlights
This year’s bill includes a hefty investment in projects aimed at environmental and outdoor recreation education, with roughly 35% of this year’s funding dedicated to projects aimed at increasing access to outdoor recreation opportunities for all Minnesotans and ensuring younger learners are provided new experiences to connect them to our natural world. There are also over 65 other projects in this year’s bill designed to build climate resiliency and protect and enhance our water and land ecosystems.
ENRTF Community Grants Program
In addition to the nearly $30 million set aside for the Community Grants program, the Senate DFL also prioritized strengthening the guardrails of this program to protect it from fraudulent, bad actors. New programmatic requirements will not only protect this critical funding from misuse, it will also facilitate stronger working relationships between the state and applicants to better serve smaller organizations who may not have a lot of experience with navigating state funding opportunities.
Outdoor Heritage Fund spending and policy changes
This year’s Outdoor Heritage Fund bill included over $190 million for 50 projects recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) and designed to protect, enhance, and restore Minnesota habitats, wetlands, forests, and prairies. In addition to passing funding for these projects, the Legislature also included some policy changes intended to improve LSOHC staffing processes and establish term limits for Council membership. (SF 2077)
Minnesota Zoo emergency assistance
Recommended by the Governor and passed out of the Senate this session as one of the few environmental supplemental budget priorities, this year’s cash bonding bill also included one-time funding for the Minnesota Zoo to fill an emergency gap in funding. This will help address workforce challenges that have arisen due to a projected operating shortfall. (HF 2484)
Agency rulemaking for emerging helium industry
Continuing work initiated by the DFL in 2024, this year’s HHS conference committee report contained a key rulemaking framework that will allow state agencies to further develop the state’s helium industry. The helium deposit discovered in Northern Minnesota is expected to be one of the largest, highest-grade helium deposits in the world. The work the DFL has been doing to establish a regulatory framework for this industry will ensure Minnesota communities are able to benefit from this resource while protecting human and environmental health for current and future generations. (SF 4612 )
2026 Lands bill – support for Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
While this issue may not be at the top of mind of most Minnesotans, the Legislature holds a critical role in approving the transfer and sale of certain lands held by local units of government. This year’s bill to authorize these sales also included a parcel of land that will be going to the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe to facilitate a much-needed expansion of their cemetery. (SF 2077)
Infectious and pathological waste management
As part of this year’s cash bonding bill, the Legislature provided $125,000 to have the MPCA provide recommendations for addressing the unlawful shipment of infectious or pathological waste. Currently, some solid waste facilities are improperly receiving infectious or pathological waste without having the protection or tools to safely dispose of the waste. The agency is charged with providing recommendations for reducing the frequency and cost of these improper transfers. (HF 2484)
Crossbow hunting sunset repeal
The 2023 Legislature authorized a 2-year trial period to test out crossbow hunting for all ages groups, regardless of their disability status (this allowance had previously been limited to Minnesotans ages 65 years or older and Minnesotans living with a disability) – this sunset was extended by 1 year in 2025, but following an October 2025 report from the DNR that there had been no documented adverse impacts on deer or turkey populations, the Legislature moved to make this authorization permanent this year. Going forward, all Minnesotans will be able to use a crossbow during archery season if they choose. (SF 1251)
Did NOT pass:
Battery product stewardship bill
After extensive stakeholder work for the last two sessions, this year DFLers advanced a new framework to establish a product stewardship program for loose batteries; and for the first year, the Senate passed this framework off of the Senate Floor. Despite the robust collaboration that went into this year’s bill, which was evidenced by the neutral positions assumed by several formerly opposed stakeholders, the House Republicans refused to advance the legislation during negotiations. (SF 1690)