A note from Executive Director, Catherine Neuschler

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the inaugural edition of EQB's newsletter. Our staff wanted to find an informal way to keep you all up to date on our work, in an easy-to-access format. Because we know email overwhelm is also a reality, we plan to only release this newsletter quarterly.

My first year as Executive Director has gone by in a flash. From digging in to the details of environmental review, to talking with the Board about our strategic plan, to reading all the great reports the staff put together, I have learned so much. In the past few weeks, I've seen many of you at the Capitol as we track and evaluate bills that impact Minnesota's environment - particularly a few around environmental review.

In the next few months, I'm particularly looking forward to:

• Sharing out and getting input on a draft strategic plan for the next five years of EQB's work
• Adding helpful information about environmental review to our newly re-designed website
• Working with our sister agencies to dig into when environmental review is required (and what changes should be considered), as we work on the 2024 mandatory categories report

I hope this newsletter helps you feel more connected to the EQB team and the work we do. Many of us - myself included - are still relatively new; we may not have had a chance to cross paths with all of you that are interested in connecting with our work. As you see items that interest you, or if you have projects you’re working on that might be of interest to us, please reach out. We are always happy to learn more about your perspectives and what you’re working on.  

New year, new website

Visited our website recently? Our website went through a major update in mid-January. It's now easier to navigate and find what you need! Our team worked hard to make sure the transition went smoothly, but if you come across any issues, please reach out to priscilla.villa-watt@state.mn.us. 

Jesse is our Environmental Review Program Administrator for the EQB. He's the one you'll likely hear from when you call 651-757-2873, our environmental review line, or email Env.Review@state.mn.us with any questions. 

For this first edition of our newsletter, I wanted to try and connect with those participating in the program. My environmental career has been heavily shaped at the local level having worked for Scott County for a number of years before starting with the EQB.  I have a background in geology and worked as a geologist in the oil and gas field prior to working at the County. I jumped straight into environmental review by participating in the ongoing process of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a frac sand mine project at the Draft EIS stage. Before this, I had no knowledge of what environmental review even was. Since that first EIS I fell in love with the program and have gone on to work on many projects requiring environmental review, gaining experience in all aspects of the program. This work provided me an opportunity to expand my knowledge in all the different processes of environmental review and quite a few different project types. I am often using my experiences to help Responsible Governmental Units understand environmental review and provide technical assistance in implementing the program. Hopefully, this little snippet of my history will help create connections to all of you working through environmental review and serve as a reminder that EQB is here to help you understand the program and provide guidance when needed.  

Fun fact: About 70% of wild plants in North America depend on the work of insects, mostly bees, to reproduce. These pollinators need diverse plants throughout the growing seasons to thrive. If you need ideas and resources to learn more about planting pollinator-friendly plants and other ways to help these valuable creatures visit our pollinator page.

Photo: Jessica Petersen