Friends, I’ve been busy in Washington with two conferences and lots of meetings. I wanted to share a press release with you that I sent out to our local media:
Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL-South Saint Paul, Minnesota) recently joined other state legislators from eight states and the Province of Ontario on December 3rd - 4th to collaborate on pressing environmental issues at the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators’ Great Lakes Forum.
More than 30 legislators participated in the two-day forum that highlighted water-related issues and threats to the Great Lakes, such as nutrient pollution, invasive species, and lead contamination. Each session featured a renowned researcher or issue expert, and provided opportunities for group discussion and problem-solving.
Rep. Rick Hansen was given the opportunity to speak on pollinators and the ways state legislators can help stop their decline. “I enjoy working with my fellow legislator’s in the Midwest on water quality and invasive species issues,” said Rep. Hansen. “We always see partisan ties fall away when we address this because they directly affect us all.”
“NCEL exists to provide a dedicated space for legislators to come together and have productive conversations around these issues, across regions and party lines,” said NCEL Executive Director Jeff Mauk.
NCEL is a nationwide network of state legislators from all 50 states and both major parties. Established in 1996, the Caucus serves as a resource for legislators from both parties on environmental issues. NCEL has convened legislators from the region since 2001, and its members have championed integral policies like the Great Lakes Compact.
Rep. Hansen has been active in NCEL for 12 years, and looks forward to applying what he learned to ensure clean and safe water for the people of Minnesota.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any issues or concerns you may have.
Sincerely,
Rick