Kris Babler
IndependentQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“As an Independent State Senator, I will use non-partisan scientific evidence—not political party line or corporate talking points—to guide policy decisions. I will consult state researchers, academic institutions, and technical experts at agencies like the MPCA and MDH to evaluate environmental risk, public health data, and economic impacts before casting votes on complex legislation.”
KEYWORDS: Evidence-based, Independent, Non-partisan
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 stewards roughly 20% of the nation’s fresh surface water, including the pristine Rainy River watershed, alongside domestic reserves that include 95% of the country’s nickel and 34% of its copper resources. Protecting our water and advancing national mineral security are not mutually exclusive—they require pragmatic, non-political oversight. State authority through the DNR and MPCA must enforce rigorous clean water standards to protect critical watersheds. At the same time, we must support modern, highly regulated mining practices to prevent emergency mineral shortages during geopolitical crises that could force hasty development under lowered environmental standards.”
KEYWORDS: Watershed-Protection, Strategic-Minerals, Environmental-Review
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?
“Clean drinking water is a basic infrastructure requirement, not a partisan debate. Eden Prairie and Minnetonka residents shouldn’t face utility rate hikes or property tax increases to clean up industrial contaminants. I support ensuring state resources and legacy polluter settlements—not local taxpayers—fund necessary municipal filtration upgrades. State agencies must establish clear, science-based PFAS standards while providing local utilities with the funding flexibility and technical support required to deploy effective treatment technologies without administrative delays.”
KEYWORDS: Remediation, Water-Quality, Accountability
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?
“Hyperscale data centers offer needed technological growth but place immense strains on state power grids and local water resources. I support policy requiring grid-impact assessments, water-efficiency standards, transparent energy sourcing, and ensuring data center operators cover their fair share of infrastructure upgrades so residential utility ratepayers aren’t burdened. We must build energy abundance.”
KEYWORDS: Grid-Impact, Efficiency, Infrastructure
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?
“State policy must actively protect and multiply scientific research investments to keep Minnesota competitive. I support expanding state matching grants through the Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics, modernizing state R&D tax credits for startups, and streamlining commercialization pathways for university research. By aligning state incentives with federal NIH capital, we keep high-paying tech and medical jobs in Minnesota, strengthen our world-class healthcare economy, and turn raw research into market-ready solutions.”
KEYWORDS: Commercialization, Investment, Competitiveness
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?
“Disparities in overdose mortality require a pragmatic, results-oriented strategy focused on what works. I support expanding access to lifesaving overdose reversal tools like naloxone, increasing funding for community-led and culturally specific recovery programs in direct partnership with Tribal Nations and Urban Indian health organizations, and cutting red tape to expand outpatient addiction medicine and peer recovery specialists across Hennepin County and underserved communities.”
KEYWORDS: Recovery, Harm-Reduction, Local-Partnerships