Dear neighbors,  

Yesterday, Minnesota became the 15th state in the nation and the first in the Midwest to officially adopt clean car standards! The new rules require automobile manufacturers to make more low- and zero-emission vehicles, including electric cars and hybrids. Minnesotans who want to drive these kinds of cars will have more options when the standards take effect in 2024.  

All of us will benefit from having cleaner cars on the road, whether or not we drive one. Implementing clean car standards will lower our greenhouse gas emissions, reduce air pollution, and create jobs across the state. People who choose to buy a car with better fuel economy will also save money on gas and maintenance.  

Getting these standards adopted wasn’t easy. Senate Republicans are against increasing access to low- and zero-emission vehicles, and they repeatedly threatened to hold up critical funding unless House DFLers and Governor Walz halted progress on clean cars. Minnesotans and the Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) worked hard to keep these plans on track. I’m happy to see our state taking this important step forward!  

To announce and celebrate this accomplishment, I joined Governor Walz and fellow legislators at an Eden Prairie plant that manufactures clean car auto parts. If you’d like to learn more, check out the article published in the Star Tribune.  

Upcoming Events and Activities  

Groundbreaking for Bison Reintroduction Project  

The Dakota County Board recently voted to make 130 acres of Spring Lake Park Reserve into a home for more than a dozen American Plains bison. The goal is to help preserve the bison species and Minnesota‘s prairie land.  

The first fencepost of the bison enclosure will be placed this Friday, July 30 at 9:45 a.m. Community members are welcome to attend the groundbreaking ceremony at Spring Lake Park Reserve (13501 Pine Bend Trail, Rosemount, MN 55068). 

Night to Unite 

Night to Unite is just around the corner! Like many of you, I plan to gather with community members and our first responders on Tuesday, August 3. This annual tradition, formerly called “National Night Out,” is a great opportunity to meet new people and catch up with your neighbors. I’m looking forward to it, and I hope you are too!  

If you have any questions or need assistance, you can contact me at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn or call (651) 296-6828. It’s an honor to represent you.  

Sincerely,  

Rick Hansen 
State Representative