MPCA tweet raises ire of House Republican lawmakers
Officials at the state Pollution Control Agency say the “wrong words” were used and they deleted a tweet that said Minnesotans should try “Meatless Mondays” because meat production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Some House Republican lawmakers say it shows Governor Walz’s agency and Democrats are out of touch with the fact that ag production accounts for under five percent of greenhouse gases. Starbuck Representative Paul Anderson:
“I really and truly hope that this didn’t reflect the attitude and true beliefs of the people at the agency, MPCA. I think they’re going to have to make their actions speak louder than their words going forward.”
Anderson says it’s surprising that an agency in an agriculture “powerhouse” state like Minnesota would come out with such a message on social media.
“There’s a bit of a mistrust, should we call it, in the real attitudes of the agencies and how they want to work with agriculture.”
Pollution Control Agency officials say the tweet “did not reflect the agency’s steadfast commitment to building stronger relationships and partnerships with Minnesota’s farmers and ag producers.” They say “Minnesota farmers are helping address our climate crisis and fostering stronger communities.”