The law is a powerful tool to protect Minnesota’s water, air, climate, and public health. Our attorneys have spent more than 50 years using it to fight for the health of our environment, natural resources, and people. At any given time, MCEA could be involved in as many as 50 active litigations; several of our cases have reached the Minnesota Supreme Court.
As the state’s leading environmental law organization, our expertise extends beyond litigation. We protect and strengthen environmental laws at the legislature. We ensure that laws reach their full potential as they move through the administrative implementation and revision processes. And we serve as an enforcement watchdog when they aren’t being followed. MCEA’s attorneys leverage Minnesota’s bedrock environmental laws to protect what we all care about, and win.
How we're leveraging the law
Climate
Secured key legal precedent that requires the evaluation of greenhouse gas emissions for all projects subject to Minnesota’s environmental review laws
Sulfide-mining
Won landmark victory at the Minnesota Supreme Court after challenging PolyMet/New Range’s permit to mine, preventing the proposed sulfide-mine upstream of Lake Superior from advancing
Clean Water
Won Minnesota Supreme Court case that strengthens legal protections for lakes, rivers, and streams statewide
Public Health
Helped draft and pass Amara’s Law, Minnesota’s landmark, nation-leading ban on PFAS “forever chemicals” in household products and firefighting
