COMMENTS DUE BY JUNE 22, 2026

Living in Minnesota, I cherish summers filled with fishing trips, shore lunches, and community fish fries. These memories are a treasured part of my heritage, and I hope to share them with future generations. Yet, right now, these traditions are under threat from toxic mercury emissions.

The draft Air Emissions Permit for Minntac, proposed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, fails to include specific standards for reducing mercury emissions. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that poses serious health risks to both humans and wildlife. It accumulates in fish, a staple in local diets, and at high levels, makes consuming them unsafe. The presence of mercury in our waters also impacts fish reproduction, leading to a decline in fish populations. These are not just environmental issues; they touch the very core of our cultural and communal fabric.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, high mercury levels can affect the brain and nervous system, particularly in young children and developing fetuses, making it critical that we take action. The lack of stringent mercury reduction standards in the proposed permit is a step backward in protecting our environment and community health.

The evidence is clear: if we allow this permit to pass without specific mercury emission reductions, we endanger not only our environment but also our traditions and the health of future generations.

I urge the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to revise their draft permit to include binding, enforceable standards for mercury reduction. Set specific limits, timelines, and monitoring requirements to ensure Minntac adheres to these standards. It's time to put our community's health and cultural heritage first.

Please join me in signing this petition to demand better protection from mercury emissions for our environment, our health, and our treasured Minnesota traditions. Together, we can make our voices heard and drive meaningful change.