Bjorn Solberg
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“I’m NEVER going to claim that I know everything. Scientists should be an important part of my decision-making whenever legislation involves scientific questions or measurable risks. I would seek peer-reviewed research, testimony from qualified experts, information from Minnesota agencies and universities, and input from scientists working directly in affected communities. The people who will live with the consequences of a policy should also have a voice. Science should help us understand what the evidence tells us, what we don’t yet know, and what risks we should consider. I will follow the evidence wherever it leads, remain open to new information, and make decisions TRANSPARENTLY.”
KEYWORDS: Expertise. Evidence. Transparency.
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?
“Minnesota’s natural resources—especially the Boundary Waters watershed—must be protected for future generations. I would not support approving a mining project in this region without rigorous, independent scientific review of its potential impacts on water, wildlife, and the surrounding watershed. I would listen to the scientists and communities directly affected (including Tribal Nations!) and I support meaningful local control and a strong local voice in decisions affecting their communities. Economic opportunities should not come at the expense of irreplaceable environmental harm. More financial burden and risk should be held at the company level as well.”
KEYWORDS: Local Control. Conservation. Science.
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 operate an organic potato storage and supply business. I support STRONG action to prevent PFAS contamination and protect Minnesotans from exposure. That includes continuing statewide testing and public reporting, enforcing science-based drinking-water standards, holding responsible parties accountable for contamination, and helping communities afford treatment when contamination is discovered. I also support phasing out/banning the use of PFAS and investing in research to create better alternatives. Our communities shouldn’t worry about a lack of access to safe water.”
KEYWORDS: Accountability. Clean Water. Ban.
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?
“I support a TWO-year moratorium on new large-scale data-center development while Minnesota fully evaluates their impacts on the environment and local communities. I would also support ending tax exemptions for existing data centers and establishing new fees or taxes sufficient to ensure they FULLY cover the public infrastructure and resources they consume. I would also place restrictions on nondisclosure agreements.”
KEYWORDS: Moratorium. Accountability. Transparency.
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?
“That sounds like INVESTMENT to me! I would work with federal partners to ensure that funding continues and grows. At the state level, I would support strategic investments in the University of Minnesota and OTHER research institutions in GREATER MINNESOTA that leverage federal funding, strengthen partnerships with schools and businesses, support STEM education, and help move successful research from the laboratory into Minnesota jobs and businesses. We should measure outcomes and prioritize research that improves health, agriculture, technology, energy, and other areas important to Minnesota’s self-sufficient future.”
KEYWORDS: Investment. Innovation. Localization.
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 increasing access to NARCAN, expanding substance-use treatment and recovery services, improving access to mental-health care, and supporting harm-reduction and overdose-prevention programs. I also support stronger State partnerships with Tribal Nations and other communities disproportionately affected by overdose. At the same time, we need to overall improve access to healthcare, employment, education, and affordable living to ultimately prevent further overdoses/drug abuse.”
KEYWORDS: Treatment. Prevention. Mental Health.