Hello from the State Capitol,
I heard from countless residents this week about an anti-ATV bill moving forward in the Minnesota Senate that is the classic example of Metro-area lawmakers telling northern Minnesota residents how they should live. The House version of the proposal can be found by clicking here.
This bill represents a clear and troubling example of government overreach driven by legislators who are far removed from the realities of life in Northwest Minnesota. Rather than working with local communities, this proposal imposes sweeping, one-size-fits-all restrictions that ignore the culture, economy, and responsible stewardship practiced by the very people who live, work, and recreate on this land.
Under this legislation, unelected bureaucrats are handed broad new authority to restrict trail access, mandate costly environmental reviews, and even decommission existing routes based on minimal petition thresholds. As outlined in the bill, just 50 individuals in a county - or even 150 individuals statewide - could trigger a process to shut down trails that generations of Minnesotans have responsibly used and maintained. This is not thoughtful policy; it is a direct pathway to erode access and undermine local decision-making.
Organizations like ATV Minnesota have long emphasized that ATV recreation is not only a cherished tradition, but a critical economic driver in rural communities. Riders support local small businesses, lodging, restaurants, and outfitters, especially in areas where tourism is a lifeline. In many towns across northern Minnesota, ATV traffic isn’t a nuisance, it’s the backbone of seasonal economic activity.
Equally important, ATV users have been strong partners in conservation. Through registration fees, trail funding, and volunteer efforts, riders help maintain and improve trail systems while protecting natural resources. This bill disregards that partnership and instead treats responsible users as a problem to be managed out of existence.
What is most concerning is the clear attempt to impose metro-driven priorities on rural Minnesota. The provision seeking to apply regulations south of Highway 2 uniformly across the entire state ignores decades of careful, region-specific management that recognizes the unique geography and traditions of northern Minnesota.
Northwest Minnesotans do not need heavy-handed mandates from St. Paul telling them how to manage the lands they know best. They need policies that respect local input, preserve access, and recognize the vital role outdoor recreation plays in sustaining their communities.
This bill fails on all counts. It undermines local control, threatens rural economies, and disregards the responsible use and stewardship that ATV riders have demonstrated for years. It should be rejected.
CLIMATE SUPERFUND WOULD INCREASE ENERGY COSTS
Last week I spoke about the need for affordability in Minnesota. Legislation being supported by House and Senate Democrats would do the opposite.
They are looking to create a climate “superfund” that would require large fossil fuel companies to pay fees for damages related to greenhouse gas emissions. Under the proposal, any company that operated here and allegedly contributed a billion metric tons of carbon since 1995 would owe new “fees.” It’s expected to cost these companies billions of dollars. What would this collected money be used for? Who knows.
Here’s what these lawmakers never seem to grasp. You can tax the companies all you want, but they are not just going to accept a financial loss. They are going to find ways to recoup that loss. And the easiest way to do that is to charge their customers more for their product. So, if this were to become law, residents and business owners will see substantially higher energy costs.
When they had full control of state government two years ago, Governor Walz and a Democrat-led legislature passed legislation to move Minnesota to 100% carbon free energy by 2040. Because of this, we will no longer be able to use coal or natural gas. A report from the Center of the American Experiment (CAE) estimates that will cost $313 billion, or nearly $3,900 per family per year.
How serious is the climate superfund proposal? Here’s what the Senate author had to say. “I honestly don’t expect it to get passed this year. Our goal is to pass it next year. This is obviously more of a Democrat bill.”
It’s clear these folks are hoping for an all Democrat-led state government once again so they can implement more of this nonsense. And if that happens your current electric bill will be unrecognizable in 15 years. This climate superfund legislation is a crazy bad idea, unless you enjoy throwing your money away.
IMPORTANT ANTI-FRAUD MEASURE FINALLY MOVES FORWARD
It took a while, but the plan to create an independent Office of the Inspector General (OIG) that would investigate fraud in our state was approved in the House State Government Finance Committee this week. The legislation would give the OIG and real investigative powers and enforcement authority, and most importantly, would not be controlled by the Governor’s Office.
With an estimated $9 billion already lost to fraud, we need to get moving on an anti-fraud agenda. The Senate passed this bill overwhelmingly last year, and it’s time for the House to catch up.
BILL TO LOWER YOUR VEHICLE TAB COSTS DIES IN COMMITTEE
The Minnesota House Transportation Policy and Finance Committee recently debated legislation that would bring Minnesota’s vehicle tab fees back to pre-2023 levels. In 2023, Governor Walz and a Democrat-led legislature changed the vehicle tab fee formula and effectively raised rates by 20%.
The bill debated by the committee would have dropped the rates on both newer and older vehicles. Doing so would have provided nearly $1 billion in tax relief to drivers.
All Republicans on the committee supported the measure. All Democrats voted against it.
LOCAL VISITS
AGCOUNTRY AND FARM BUREAU AT THE CAPITOL
Another busy week in St. Paul and I really enjoyed catching up with Justin Dagen and Leif Aakre, discussing agricultural issues affecting grain and livestock producers across the state.
I also appreciated seeing folks from AgCountry and Farm Bureau taking time to provide guidance and insight as legislators hear bills that impact everyday operations on the farm.
Thank you to all who participated from the farm community to ensure that policies and legislation discussed in St. Paul support farm families and rural economic vitality!
HF3236 IN ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
I appreciated the opportunity to present HF3236 in the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday.
HF3236 makes it easier and more predictable for Minnesotans to apply for and manage water-use permits by cutting red tape and setting clear rules for the Department of Natural Resources. It ensures that large water-use projects go through a consistent upfront review, protects permit holders from unexpected changes when ownership transfers, and requires the state to clearly explain any additional testing it asks for. The bill also supports farmers by allowing extra water use for cover crops when it’s sustainable. Just as importantly, it holds the state accountable by setting firm deadlines for decisions - and requiring refunds if those deadlines aren’t met - so applicants aren’t left waiting indefinitely.
DIGIKEY – COALITION OF GREATER MINNESOTA CITIES
It was great to connect with Mark Borseth and the Coalition for Greater Minnesota Cities during their visit to the Capitol this week.
Their willingness to take the time to share perspectives and highlight the critical role that businesses like DigiKey and communities across Greater Minnesota play in driving the state’s economy is sincerely appreciated. The insights provided on the challenges and opportunities facing northwest Minnesota are invaluable as policymakers work to advance policies that support growth, workforce development, and long-term prosperity. Appreciation is extended for their engagement and continued advocacy on behalf of Greater Minnesota.
MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL UTILITIES ASSOCIATION – LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE
Thank you to the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA) and the Northern Municipal Power Agency (NMPA) for your continued leadership and advocacy on behalf of Minnesota’s municipal utilities and the communities they serve. Your work plays a critical role in ensuring reliable, affordable energy for residents and businesses across our state. I especially want to thank Jasper Schneider and Dalene Monsebroten for taking the time to travel down to St. Paul and share their insights at the Capitol - your commitment to representing your members and advancing important energy discussions is greatly appreciated.
EASTER/PASSOVER BREAK
Today marks both the first and second committee deadline in the Minnesota House. This means if a bill has not been approved in committee before the day ends, it will not move forward the rest of the year. The Easter/Passover break will also begin later today, and lawmakers will return to the Capitol on April 7.