Legislative Activity

The Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative Act (MRRRI Act) establishes a collaborative, non-regulatory initiative led by the EPA to protect and restore the ecological health of the Mississippi River. This will be done through funding projects, developing actionable goals and plans, and establishing research centers. The initiative focuses on improving water quality, enhancing community resilience, protecting habitats, preventing invasive species, and fostering partnerships to ensure the river's health for future generations. The Act also directs the USGS to establish research centers and a science plan to support the MRRRI's goals.

The "Cold-blooded Animal Research and Exhibition Act" amends the Animal Welfare Act to include cold-blooded animals like reptiles and fish under the definition of "animal" when used for research, testing, exhibition, or as pets. Certain animals are excluded from this definition, such as birds, rats, mice, horses not used for research, and farmed animals used for food or fiber. This change expands the protections and regulations provided by the Animal Welfare Act to a broader range of species.

The Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act permanently withdraws approximately 225,504 acres of federal land and waters in Minnesota's Rainy River Watershed from mining and mineral leasing activities to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park. It allows for the removal of certain materials like sand and gravel if it does not harm the environment. The Act aims to preserve water quality, air quality, and the ecological integrity of the Rainy River Watershed.