Minnesota: true environmental leader

With hours to go in its annual session, the Minnesota Legislature has already earned its place in state history as one of the most effective for the environment. Indeed, it's something other states (like Michigan) can only hope to rival in future years.

Here are the achievements:

* First state to ratify the Great Lakes compact;

* A 25% renewable energy standard by 2020 (Senate File 4);

* A law requiring manufacturers of electronic products to pay for recycling of e-waste (HF 854);

* $25 million in funding per year for impaired waters identification, cleanup plans, and implementation of same (admittedly less than the $100M annually needed).

* A law setting a target of reducing state greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050, with a moratorium on new coal-fired power plants kicking in by 2009 if the state does not develop an implementation plan for reductions (SF 145).

It is possible that the Legislature will add to this by authorizing an amendment to be put on the ballot in November 2008 permitting voters to decide whether to hike and earmark the state sales tax by 3/8 cent to pay for habitat, clean water and other purposes.