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Environment and Conservation |
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Ron Erhardt
is a champion for Minnesota’s natural resources.
“I will continue my environmental work, protecting
clean air and water and helping Minnesota pursue energy
independence.” Ron Erhardt |
Awards
The League of Conservation Voters presented Ron Erhardt
with the “Conservation Leadership Award” for his
career-long championship of transportation legislation
that works to improve air quality and reduce fuel
consumption. |
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Legislative-Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) |
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honor accorded to senior legislators who support
environmental issues is to serve on the LCCMR, a panel
of five state senators, five state representatives and
seven appointed citizens. As a member of the LCCMR,
Representative Erhardt helps review and recommend to the
Legislature millions of dollars worth of environmental
protection and enhancement projects.
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Legislation
The 2007-2008 Legislative session saw landmark
legislation passed to protect Minnesota’s natural
resources.
Ron Erhardt co-authored several new laws and funding
initiatives that will help clean up polluted bodies of
water and prevent more dangerous materials from
contaminating the environment. |
Endorsements
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The Sierra Club
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Conservation Minnesota
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Clean Water Action
Ron also co-authored the law passed in 2007 which
made Minnesota the nation’s leader in renewable energy
development.
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Some of the
LCCMR
projects
funded in 2008 include:
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Metropolitan area conservation corridors and parks
Minnesota habitat conservation
State land, park and trail acquisitions
Prairie management and restoration
Protecting public drinking water
Protecting lake and stream shores
Reducing the carbon footprint of Minnesota schools.
For a complete LCCMR 2008 list, click:
http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/RequestforProposals/2008/2008%20Proposals%20January/AllocationsSpreadsheet_v4.htm
Others Look to Ron Erhardt when it comes to
Environmental Experience and Expertise - even opponents.
Photo
from the
"Playing for the Planet" debate hosted by the Edina
Energy and Environment Commission 8-24-08.
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E-Waste: Old or broken electronics such as
televisions, computer monitors and VCRs contain lead,
which is harmful to our health and to the environment.
Representative Erhardt was one of the main sponsors of
changes to recycling laws that will encourage
manufacturers and electronics retailers to make
“e-waste” recycling easier and more accessible.
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Renewable Energy: Representative Erhardt was a
co-author of a new law that significantly increases the
production of renewable energy in Minnesota. The plan
requires that 25 percent of Minnesota’s energy be
derived from renewable resources by the year 2025. It
will be the strongest renewable energy plan in the
nation.
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Clean Water: Representative Erhardt co-authored
the bill where the Legislature increased funding for the
implementation of the Clean Water Legacy Act to clean up
lakes, rivers and streams. The program will receive
nearly $54 million over the next two years.
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Mercury Reductions: To keep toxic mercury out of
our environment, the Minnesota House, with
Representative Erhardt’s support, approved a law to
prevent the sale or use of products such as blood
pressure meters, certain thermostats, barometers,
over-the-counter drugs and cosmetics containing mercury.
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Global Warming: A new global warming law which
Representative Erhardt supported, will reduce pollution
by cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent by
2015 and by 80 percent by the year 2050.
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