Bill > SR29

This Senate resolution aims to recognize and raise awareness about ecocide in Minnesota by proclaiming April as Ecocide Awareness and Prevention Month. The resolution provides extensive context about environmental destruction, referencing historical examples like Agent Orange during the Vietnam War and more recent environmental disasters such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and deforestation. It defines ecocide as unlawful or wanton acts that cause substantial likelihood of severe and widespread environmental damage, highlighting that global institutions like the European Parliament and International Criminal Court are increasingly recognizing ecocide as a human rights crime. The resolution notes that Minnesota has experienced 61 confirmed environmental disasters from 1980 to 2024, with the frequency increasing to four events annually in recent years. By encouraging programs and public engagement to prevent environmental degradation, the resolution seeks to draw attention to the disproportionate impact of environmental damage on Indigenous, rural, and minority populations and emphasize the need to hold responsible entities accountable for environmental harm. While not creating legally binding criminal statutes, the resolution serves as a formal statement of the Senate's commitment to raising awareness about environmental protection and the concept of ecocide.

Government Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SR0029&ssn=0&y=2025