JEFF BRAND
DEMOCRATIC INCUMBENT
Representative Brand was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2018, and after losing his seat in 2020, returned to the legislature in 2022. In both of his terms, Brand has championed many important environmental issues, from clean water and PFAS remediation to carbon-free energy.
Climate Action & Clean Energy
Co-authored legislation calling for Minnesota to transition to 100% carbon-free energy by 2040
Co-authored legislation establishing a Critical Materials Advisory Recovery Task Force to study the retrieval of valuable, reusable minerals from our waste stream, including some which are vital to our clean energy transition
Co-authored legislation to make Minnesota more competitive in obtaining federal grant money to support clean energy projects across the state
Land, Air, & Water
Co-authored legislation establishing a statewide Lawns to Legumes grant program to allow for increased native plants and pollinator-friendly habitats
Co-authored legislation expanding protections for Minnesota’s native prairie land
Authored legislation to invest $1 million in the development of markets for continuous living cover crops
Co-authored legislation to update Minnesota’s electronic waste recycling program to capture waste from smart phones, computers, and other modern technology
Voted to approve a ballot question to renew the constitutional dedication of lottery dollars to the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund
Public Health & Environmental Responsibility
Co-authored legislation to replace all public lead water lines in the state by 2033 and establish a grant program to fund local removal projects
Authored legislation banning PFAS in certain products in Minnesota, and regulating companies who make products using these chemical, to ensure they transition away from using PFAS
ERICA SCHWARTZ
REPUBLICAN CHALLENGER
Erica Schwartz touts her more extreme Republican positions in her campaign thus far. She has said little about her positions regarding the environment or Minnesota’s natural resources.
Climate Action & Clean Energy
Website and social media make no reference to clean energy issues or plans
Land, Air, & Water
Website and social media make no reference to issues around natural resources, clean air or water, or conservation in general
Public Health & Environmental Responsibility
Website and social media make no reference to issues of public or environmental health, environmental justice or stewardship