Aaron Kania
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“We live in an era of mass dissemination of junk science masked as legitimate scientific process, designed to advance the policy interests of industry and big corporations. I agree with the core objectives of the SNAP coalition: to provide voters with clear, accessible information so they can see how candidates value science in decision-making and encourage thoughtful engagement between communities and policymakers on science policy-related topics in our state.
If elected, I will ensure scientific expertise lies at the center of policies I advance. As a representative I will pursue legislation and vote to support science and research.
The importance of Minnesota’s research institutions can not be overstated. Investments in STEM programs are necessary to produce the scientists and talented STEM professionals that will drive future economic success in Minnesota.
We must also push for transparency in the scientific process - this is why the community relies so heavily on the process of peer-reviewed research. When we advance science backed by peer-review, the scientific process is clear and transparent, which will build trust and support for the community.”
KEYWORDS: trust, transparency, scientific process
Q2 Recently H.J. Res 140 passed, overturning a 20-year mining ban in the National Forest System land surrounding the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. What is your position on mining projects in this region and what policies, if any, would you support to protect the surrounding watershed?
“We must protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and all waters in the state. I put my life on the line as a Law Enforcement Ranger to protect public lands, waters and Wilderness. I also served for 6 years as the Kawishiwi District Ranger in Ely. I am deeply familiar with all aspects of federal policy. I know what it is like to be fully committed to stand up for these special places.
I will work with all interested parties to craft protections that have broad support in order to be resilient in the long term. We need a bi-partisan coalition which includes union representation, ensures honoring tribal interests, and the inclusion of lake associations. The residents of District 3A and all Minnesotans need leaders who can speak with all interested parties, listen to what they have to say, and bring them together to move the right projects forward in a sustainable way.
We also need industry to create sustainable employment. Focusing on known existing concerns such as sulphate contamination and mercury emissions will grow good union jobs while showing that mining interests are willing to comply with the strong environmental protections we have in place. This builds trust.”
KEYWORDS: bi-partisan, protections, inclusion
Q3 Contamination from PFAS and other “forever chemicals” in 21 community water systems in Minnesota exceed national regulations, putting residents at risk of negative health impacts. What policies, if any, do you propose to protect Minnesota residents from the potential impacts of PFAS?
“We must protect our water - full stop. Fortunately, Minnesota has already taken steps to protect our communities from PFAS pollution by passing Amara’s Law in 2023. As we move towards the elimination of PFAS, the initiative lies in ensuring our agencies are properly funded and staffed to administer and enforce the law effectively and continue stringent testing of consumer products to verify compliance.
Initial reporting from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is showing over a 90% compliance rate as manufacturers shift their material supply and adapt to the new rules. Stopping PFAS at the source, before they enter consumer items, is the most effective way to reduce human exposure. Once we fully eliminate PFAS at the source, we can ensure it is not making it into our landfills and groundwater.”
KEYWORDS: PFAS, pollution, clean water
Q4 There have been multiple hyperscale data centers proposed throughout the state, including one currently under construction. What policies and regulations, if any, do you support to assess and act on the potential impacts of these data centers?
“Unfortunately, our rules have not kept up with the scale of data centers statewide. AI hyper-scale data centers will have a huge impact on local power grids, noise pollution, and water usage. The full impact of data centers must be disclosed prior to any project moving forward.
There are three very simple ground rules we need to establish before moving forward with any data center project:
First off, no tax breaks for billionaires. If data centers are going to be built in our communities these mega corporations must pay their fair share. There also needs to be transparency in the process. Many have lost trust in these corporations when negotiations are done behind closed doors. We also lose trust in our elected officials when they sign non-disclosure agreements during these negotiations. Next, we should also require Project Labor Agreements to ensure qualified and safe union labor is required in any construction efforts. Lastly there must be rate payer protection measures in place to shield local communities from increases in energy costs.”
KEYWORDS: project labor agreements, transparency, water consumption
Q5 In 2025 alone, the National Institute on Health (NIH) awarded over $700 million for research grants and contracts to Minnesota universities, which directly supported over 7,000 jobs and $1.79 billion of economic activity in Minnesota. What policies, if any, do you plan to implement or support regarding funding for continued science research either at the state or federal level?
“As the District Ranger, I relied heavily on science in the decision making process. This was related to proper forest management and the Northern Research Center was critical to this understanding. During recent federal proposed cuts to the Minnesota facilities in Grand Rapids and Ely, I went on the offensive to protect them from cuts. I worked closely with the unions, media, forest products industry, and federal elected officials such as Angie Craig, Amy Klobuchar, and Tina Smith. We were successful in these efforts and the labs were spared from the cuts.
At the state level, integration of the science into the communities is critical so that the research work is directly tied to local concerns. UMD-NRRI is a constant source of real world research taking place to focus on issues such as sulphate pollution, biomass utilization, and even the effects of invasive species on critical resources like wild rice.
We need to fund these efforts and also efforts like the virtual campus in Grand Marais so that our communities are connected with the science and education we need to thrive.”
KEYWORDS: research center, forest management, integration
Q6 Fatal drug overdoses in Minnesota have significantly declined in recent years, representing a 28% drop from a record peak of 1,392 overdose deaths in 2022. However, compared to White Minnesotans, Indigenous Minnesotans are 7 to 15 times more likely to experience a fatal drug overdose, while Black Minnesotans are 2 to 3 times more likely to die from a drug-related overdose. What policies, if any, do you support to continue the downward trend of overdose deaths for Minnesotans?
“Running to represent a rural House District (3A), I would represent the Bois Forte and Grand Portage communities. As a former law enforcement officer for 23 years, I have seen first hand what it looks like when those who do not have access to medical and mental care services are much more likely to be negatively impacted by fatal drug overdoses.
We must expand access to mental health care across rural communities through a combination of telehealth infrastructure, workforce incentives, integrated primary care, and community-based crisis networks.
To provide much needed mobile care, we need to reclassify ambulances as medical services rather than transportation to align funding, staffing, and operational priorities with the clinical and public health roles emergency medical services (EMS) actually perform. I also support consolidating rural EMS with local fire departments to unlock grant funding, create economies of scale, and fund full-time dedicated staff and advanced life support programs in the Northland.”
KEYWORDS: law enforcement officer, crisis networks, rural EMS