Take action

Ways for local leaders to support the bill

Legislators pay attention to what local governments say about state policy. A resolution from a city council or county board, or a letter signed by local officials from across the state, shows that this bill matters to the people who manage Minnesota's roads, budgets and emergency plans. Choose what fits your role.

For elected officials

Mayors, council members, commissioners and township officers

Pass a resolution of support

We have a model resolution your council or board can adapt. Many local bodies routinely take positions on state legislation that affects their budgets; check with your attorney or administrator about your own process.

See the model resolution

Sign the local officials letter

Add your name to a letter from Minnesota mayors, council members, commissioners and township officers asking the Legislature to pass the climate superfund.

Sign the letter

Put it on your legislative agenda

Include the climate superfund in your city or county's legislative platform, or raise it with your statewide association.

Testify or submit written testimony

A few minutes of local testimony at a committee hearing can carry real weight. We'll help with scheduling and talking points.

Let us know you're interested

For local government staff

You know what weather costs better than anyone.

Public works directors, emergency managers, finance directors and planners know what weather costs better than anyone. Where your role allows, you can help by sharing cost data from recent events, briefing your elected officials, or connecting us with the right person in your organization.

Share your community's numbers Share your story

For residents

Ask your local officials to support the bill.

Ask your mayor, council member or county commissioner to support the climate superfund bill. Here's a sample message you can adapt:

Hello [NAME], I'm a resident of [CITY/COUNTY]. Our community is paying more each year to repair storm damage and prepare for extreme weather. The climate superfund bill at the Legislature would ask the largest fossil fuel companies to pay a share of those costs, so they don't fall only on local taxpayers. Would you consider supporting a resolution in favor of the bill? Thank you for your work for our community.

Find your local officials

Model resolution

Draft text for your council or board

Adapt this draft to your jurisdiction and your body's process.

A resolution supporting Minnesota climate superfund legislation

WHEREAS, [JURISDICTION] has experienced increasing costs from extreme weather, including flooding, severe storms, drought, extreme heat and wildfire smoke; and

WHEREAS, these costs include emergency response, infrastructure repair, stormwater management, public health response and staff time, and are largely funded by local taxpayers; and

WHEREAS, federal disaster assistance has become less predictable, and responsibility for preparedness is increasingly being shifted to states and local governments; and

WHEREAS, [BILL NUMBER] would require the largest fossil fuel producers and refiners to pay a share of Minnesota's climate-related costs in proportion to their past emissions, and would direct those funds to disaster response, recovery and adaptation projects; and

WHEREAS, the principle that those responsible for pollution should help pay for its cleanup has been established in federal law since 1980;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the [COUNCIL/BOARD] of [JURISDICTION] supports [BILL NUMBER] and urges the Minnesota Legislature to pass it; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be sent to [JURISDICTION]'s state legislators and the Governor.