Minnesota—in protecting freshwater resources and leading the way in creating a clean energy economy—has always been at the forefront of crafting responsible environmental policy. Sen. Smith carries this spirit to Washington and continues to fight for federal policies that seek to combat climate change, preserve clean air and clean water, and protect our most precious natural landscapes.
Despite the great work being done in states like Minnesota, environmental challenges persist every day. Terrible accidents like the Flint water crisis where cost-cutting measures led to dangerous levels of lead in Michigan homes, and sweeping challenges like climate change, make clear that the federal government has an important role to play in protecting our environment. Ignoring this responsibility would put our natural treasures, our public health, and even our economy at risk.
Part of this responsibility means fighting back against efforts to rollback responsible environmental policy. Decisions like pulling out of the Paris Agreement, a landmark international agreement to address climate change, and undermining a plan to reduce air pollution are both outdated and out of touch with what most Americans want. Sen. Smith will fight back against policies that threaten our environment and our public health, but she stands ready work with her colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure our environmental policies work better for Minnesotans and all Americans.
Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Klobuchar, Smith Announce Significant Federal Funding to Support Conservation and Climate-Smart Agriculture
WASHINGTON, [10.25.23] – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced over $150 million in new funding for climate-smart agricultural and conservation programs in Minnesota. The investments are part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which offers payments and other incentives to address climate change and achieve natural resource benefits. “The Conservation Reserve Program helps equip our farmers with the tools to conserve and improve soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat. And Minnesota farmers and landowners’ participation rates are among the highest in the country,” said Klobuchar. “This critical funding will not only increase economic opportunities but will support agriculture and conservation efforts in our state.” “Climate friendly farming and land use practices are a win-win for Minnesota’s environment and ag economy,” said Smith. “These Climate-Smart programs are a creative way to combat the climate crisis while boosting rural economies and generating opportunity for farmers. I worked hard to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which made these investments possible.” Through CRP, farmers and ranchers establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland. In return, participants receive rental payments and cost-share assistance. Farmers and ranchers who participate in CRP help provide numerous benefits to their local environment and economy. Throughout her time in Congress, Senator Smith has lead efforts to create and expand conservation programs, including CRP. In 2020, Senator Smith successfully pushed the USDA to increase CRP incentive payments and help more producers participate.
U.S. Senators Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Disaster Loans for Minnesotans Affected by Drought
Washington [10/16/23] — Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-Minn.) announced federal loans designed to help small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and nonprofit organizations in Minnesota recoup losses as a result of this summer’s drought. These federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available in Murray and Nobles counties and the contiguous counties of Cottonwood, Jackson, Lyon, Pipestone, Redwood, and Rock Minnesota. “This summer’s drought affected everyone from farmers and ranchers to local business owners,” said Klobuchar. “These federal loans will provide relief and ensure farms and businesses get the support they need as they continue to recover. I encourage everyone eligible to get in touch with the Small Business Administration to learn more and apply.” “Climate-fueled extreme weather events, like the drought we experienced in Minnesota this summer, are becoming more and more common. We need to be doing everything we can to support those impacted and limit the economic toll they take,” said Sen. Smith. “These federal loans will help sustain local businesses and farms as they deal with the fallout from the drought. I encourage eligible businesses, farms and nonprofits to contact the Small Business Administration and apply before the May 29th deadline.” The Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. EIDLs are available through the Small Business Administration (SBA), and can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, and other bills that could have been paid if
Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on Manchin’s Climate Change Reversal
Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement in response to Senator Joe Manchin backing out – again – of negotiations on climate change legislation: “It’s infuriating and nothing short of tragic that Senator Manchin is walking away, again, from taking essential action on climate and clean energy. The world is literally burning up while he joins every single Republican to stop strong action to cut emissions and speed the transition to clean energy for the survival of our planet, clean air and health, energy independence, and lower energy prices. One Senator should not have
Klobuchar, Smith Lead Entire Minnesota Congressional Delegation in Urging Biden Administration to Approve Minnesota Request for Disaster Declaration
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) led the entire Minnesota Congressional delegation in urging the Biden administration to approve Minnesota’s requests for Major Disaster Declarations to assist communities recovering from historic storms and flooding. “We write to you in strong support of the state of Minnesota’s requests for Major Disaster Declarations under the Stafford Act to assist communities that are working to recover from severe weather this spring, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, high winds, and flooding. These natural disaster events have caused significant damage in our state, and we ask that you quickly grant approval
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on West Virginia v. EPA Supreme Court Decision
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) issued the following statement in response to the West Virginia v. EPA Supreme Court decision: “For more than fifty years, the Clean Air Act has reduced pollution and improved air quality and health for families in Minnesota and across the country. Fifteen years ago, a conservative-majority court correctly ruled that this law could be the basis for regulating greenhouse gases—a decision that was reaffirmed in a unanimous opinion in 2011. “And yet, just 11 years later, this activist Supreme Court disregarded years of precedent and sided with large polluters and conservative special interests by
Senators Klobuchar, Smith Announce Significant Federal Funds to Increase Outdoor Access in Minnesota
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced significant new federal funding to support outdoor access and recreation in Minnesota following Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland’s visit to the state. The new projects include outdoor recreation additions to the North End Community Center in St. Paul, improvements to Soldiers Field Park in Rochester, and an expansion and renovation of Willard Park in Minneapolis. “With our state’s lakes, parks, and trails, getting outside is central to Minnesotans’ way of life,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “By expanding green spaces and creating new outdoor recreational opportunities, this funding will help ensure that
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