Keith Klawitter
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“I would refer to scientists when policy decisions require evaluating evidence and risk to assess potential impacts on human health and the environment.”
KEYWORDS: evidence-based, independent, peer-reviewed, transparent
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 oppose mining in the Boundary Waters watershed. I support restoring permanent protections for the federal lands surrounding the Boundary Waters. At the state level, I support the Boundary Waters Permanent Protection Bill and the Prove-It-First Bill.”
KEYWORDS: clean water, permanent protections, polluteer accountability
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 passing enforceable standards for PFAS in drinking water and wastewater; statewide testing and public reporting; testing and remediation assistance for private well owners; phasing out nonessential uses of PFAS; and a PFAS cleanup fund that requires PFAS manufacturers and sellers to help pay for testing and cleanup.”
KEYWORDS: PFAS prevention, statewide testing, public reporting, polluter accountability, cleanup funding
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 full environmental review, including cumulative impacts on groundwater, wastewater, air quality, and the electric grid. Data centers should meet enforceable water and energy standards, disclose their projected and actual resource use, and pay for the infrastructure upgrades and other impacts they create. Their costs should not be shifted onto ratepayers or taxpayers. Local communities should receive early notice, meaningful public hearings, full information about project backers and public subsidies, and the authority to reject projects that do not fit their long-term plans. Public incentives should require clear benefits, including prevailing wages, local hiring, and infrastructure contributions. Developers should also provide financial assurances so communities are not left carrying the risk.”
KEYWORDS: environmental review, water protection, public transparency, local control
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 cannot replace the full scale of federal research funding, but it should consider temporary bridge funding when unexpected federal disruptions threaten promising research, skilled jobs, or Minnesota’s ability to compete for future grants. Minnesota should also challenge unlawful or politically motivated efforts to cancel grants that have already been awarded. At the state level, I support stable funding for the Minnesota’s research universities and targeted investments in research that addresses Minnesota’s needs, including medical research, agriculture, water quality, and public health.”
KEYWORDS: bridge funding, stable funding
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 continued funding for naloxone access, harm reduction, medication-assisted treatment, recovery services, and overdose prevention education. We should also expand treatment and mental health services in rural areas, where distance and provider shortages remain major barriers. Because Indigenous and Black Minnesotans face much higher overdose death rates, opioid-settlement and state funding should prioritize Tribal nations and culturally specific, community-led programs.”
KEYWORDS: harm reduction, treatment access, rural healthcare, culturally specific programs