Angie Hanson
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“I trust science and trust scientists. I would refer to scientists when it comes to any legislation concerning health, safety and the environment.”
KEYWORDS: Trust, Health, Environment
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?
“I support Prove It First Legislation where mining companies would have to prove mining has been safe for 20 years prior to being able to perform that type of mining in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. I support mandatory money to be set aside in an escrow to ensure clean up during closure of the mine and to financially take care of an environmental issue. I support not allowing foreign countries to mine and not allowing “bad actors”- mining companies with a history of environmental or human rights violations.”
KEYWORDS: Protect, Proof, Prevent
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?
“I support efforts to continue measuring the levels of PFAS (especially in water) and the risk to human health. I support preventing PFAS pollution. I support managing and cleaning up the exposure in air, water, food and fish and game.”
KEYWORDS: Study, Prevent, Clean Up
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?
“We need to ensure that our water and energy are safe and that air is not polluted. We need to make sure that communities and residents are not exploited.
We need transparency at every turn. I support banning NDAs. I support requiring data centers to create their own clean energy. No tax breaks or incentives should be given to data centers. I support banning hyperscale data centers because I do not believe that they can ensure that our water and energy is safe and that our air is not polluted.
With those protections in place, I trust local communities to make their own decisions.”
KEYWORDS: Protect Water, Energy and Air
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?
“The state of Minnesota awards research grants and contracts. I believe it is important to continue doing this. I believe the federal government should as well. If the federal government stops this funding, I would like to see if there are ways the state can help. However, the budget will be tight, so this may be difficult.”
KEYWORDS: Support, Grants, Contracts
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?
“I support the following. -Study the safe prescribing of opioids to see what changes have been made and what changes still need to be made especially regarding the disparity. -Increase education and awareness of risks of drug misuse and the signs of overdose and increase access to Naloxone distribution. -Invest in mental health and community-based prevention programs.”
KEYWORDS: Study, Education, Mental Health