When the state government shut down in 2011, there were several news stories in which residents of Minnesota gave their opinion that this was not a big deal because they did not use state services. Au contraire, residents! If you use water, breathe air or eat locally-produced foods, a state (or local) agency is working to keep it safe and clean. Safe food, water and air are basic building blocks for our overall wellness.

If you would like to know more about the current state of the environment and energy use in Minnesota, check out this report from last fall: the Minnesota Environment and Energy Report Card.