skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Alabama woman works to help returning citizens rebuild their lives; Marist polls: Harris leads Trump in Michigan, Wisconsin; they're tied in Pennsylvania; UAW contract negotiations at VW focus on healthcare, safety, wages; NC dentists warn of crisis due to low Medicaid reimbursement rates.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Senate Reaction: State Water Quality Report "Not Good News"

play audio
Play

Monday, July 21, 2008   

St. Paul, MN – At least one state lawmaker is calling a new report on Minnesota waterways a "loud wake-up call" for action. Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency has released an updated inventory of "polluted" lakes and rivers, and the list has grown by 300, to a total of more than 800. Senator Sandy Pappas says that's not the news she had hoped to hear.

"It shows that we still have a long way to go to clean up our beautiful lakes and rivers. We're really a state of waterways, so it's kind-of disgusting that we've let our waters get into such a horrible state of pollution."

The agency's report finds the majority of the waterways are either polluted by phosphorous, are cloudy, or have unacceptable levels of mercury.

Pappas notes that a Constitutional amendment on this fall's ballot includes a measure to help pay for waterway cleanup and restoration, through a small tax increase. In the meantime, she says, the report is increasing public concern about the health of Minnesota's waterways.

"We have to be worried about the fish, that we catch and that we eat. We have to be worried about swimming in polluted waters; about groundwater contamination, and the water that we drink. And, there can be odor issues, and the growth of algae and other unwanted weeds - invasive species, or no species."

Pappas says cleaning up Minnesota waterways is a big job. But they're critical to the state's economy and identity. And, she adds, we have the tools to do the job.

"It takes time and resources. It takes a little money and effort, and a little focus. We have a wonderful opportunity, as citizens of Minnesota, to vote for the 'Clean Water Legacy Act' that will be on the ballot this fall that will dedicate a percentage of sales tax to clean waters in our state."

Pappas says it will cost the state almost a trillion dollars a year over the next decade to restore polluted lakes and rivers; the Legacy Act can help pay for the work.

The impaired waterways list is updated every two years. More information, including the latest report, is available online at www.pca.state.mn.us.




get more stories like this via email

more stories
Recipients of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Grant can now access funding to drive financing for thousands of climate-focused and clean energy initiatives. (bilanol/Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Michigan's most vulnerable communities are receiving federal funding to fight the devastating effects of climate change. It's part of the $27 billion …


Health and Wellness

play sound

September is Health Literacy Month, and a Denver-based group is working to help health professionals break a persistent pattern of discrimination …

Environment

play sound

A new report contends fossil fuel funding has biased Columbia University's climate research. The report, by two Columbia students, shows the …


Alabama releases roughly 220,279 men and 78,247 women from its prisons and jails each year. (Chad Robertson/Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

An Alabama woman is on a mission to help people who've been incarcerated for decades successfully transition back into society. The mission to …

Health and Wellness

play sound

In North Carolina, the gap between Medicaid reimbursement rates and the actual cost of dental care has reached a crisis point, impacting both …

So far in 2024, community health centers in North Dakota have screened 11,580 patients for food insecurity. Through those screenings, more than three thousand box meals have been distributed. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

September is Hunger Action Month. In North Dakota, it isn't just food banks trying to help underserved populations get nutritious items. Health …

Environment

play sound

Marine biologists conducting deep dives near five California islands are collecting data they hope will strengthen the case for ending gillnet fishing…

Environment

play sound

Researchers at Iowa State University are taking aim at the huge amount of energy used by data centers, now and in the future. They have developed a …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021