Environment & Energy

The environment — our air, our water, our land — is a sacred trust that we must protect and preserve for ourselves and future generations. Today, our planet is in peril because of climate change, which is already affecting Minnesotans and Americans.
As the Chair of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, I am a strong supporter of action on climate change and strongly oppose efforts to undermine our international commitments and turn the United States into an environmental rogue nation. In addition, I support full funding for environmental protections and oppose harmful efforts to weaken our bedrock clean air, clean water, and conservation laws. These are laws that protect the health of our families and our planet.
When it comes to energy, we must make smart decisions today to create green jobs and safeguard our environment. Instead of doubling down on fossil fuels, I support strategic investments in clean energy infrastructure, research, and education.
Read my letter to President Biden on the Line 3 project here.
More on Environment & Energy
For Immediate Release: March 1, 2012
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the St. Croix River Crossing Project Authorization Act (S. 1134) by a vote of 339 to 80. Originally spearheaded by Congresswoman Bachmann (MN-06), S. 1134 authorizes construction of a $700 million mega-bridge over the protected St. Croix River between Minnesota and Wisconsin, benefiting only 18,000 cars per day.
For Immediate Release: February 29, 2012
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
For Immediate Release: February 28, 2012
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Representative Betty McCollum (D-Minnesota) received the 2012 Groundwater Protector Award from the National Ground Water Association today.
The Groundwater Protector Award honors people in government, industry, and the private sector for their public service efforts in conjunction with groundwater conservation, protection, and use.
Good morning to everyone, and welcome to Washington.
Thank you to the National Ground Water Association for this great award. Thank you Danny for coming from Minnesota.
I am lucky to hail from the Land of not only 10,000 Lakes, but also multiple levels of excellent aquifers!
We Minnesotans take our water very seriously and are proud to be leaders in showing other states how we care for our most precious natural resource.
For Immediate Release: February 21, 2012
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) issued the following statement. She responded to Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton's letter, which urged Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) to pass legislation that allows for the construction of an extra-dosed, mega-bridge to replace the current Stillwater Lift Bridge.
For Immediate Release: February 20, 2012
Contact: Michelle Hesterberg, 612-331-3315, mhesterberg@environmentminnesota.org
SAINT PAUL – Facing extreme attacks on the environment in the U.S. House, over 170 students and community members joined Representative Betty McCollum on Monday for Coffee with Congress, hosted by Environment Minnesota and MPIRG, to discuss how to move forward to protect Minnesota's environment.
Please join Congresswoman McCollum’s official Facebook page to stay informed on her activities in St. Paul and Washington, DC.
Mr. Secretary, as we have discussed previously, you are familiar with legislation that passed the Senate – S. 1134, the St. Croix River Crossing Project Authorization Act.
This bill exempts the St. Croix Crossing Project from the protections of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and it mandates the construction of an extradosed design bridge at a cost of $700 million. This is truly a mega-bridge connecting Minnesota and rural Wisconsin.
I strongly oppose this legislation. It represents bad fiscal policy, bad transportation policy, and bad environmental policy.
Please join Congresswoman McCollum’s official Facebook page to stay informed on her activities in St. Paul and Washington, DC.