Robyn Gulley
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“I will rely on scientists to help inform my views on a lot of policies, including on climate change, education and any areas where the views of scientists would be most beneficial.”
KEYWORDS: Truth, peer-review, testing hypothesis
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 policies and believe that mining should only happen where it can be done safely and consistent with the highest environmental standards. I’m proud to be endorsed by Save the Boundary Waters and Friends of the Boundary Waters organizations.”
KEYWORDS: Clean water, clear air, natural habitat
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 overturning the EPAs recent rollback of regulations on PFAS and support the proposed polices of Clean Water Action to stop PFAS at the point of origin and to strengthen state regulations on PFAS/forever chemicals.”
KEYWORDS: EPA, Clean Water Action Policies
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 the right of municipalities to enact moratoriums on data centers, oppose the use of confidentiality agreements by local officials in all cases but especially when it comes to data centers and want to see any data centers built pay their fair share of taxes. While they can be built without a lot of water use (in same cases) by using HVAC systems for cooling, I still want to see strong environmental reviews for any proposed data centers built in Minnesota and want to see the companies building them use renewable energy.”
KEYWORDS: Renewable energy, pay taxes
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 a Regent on the Board of the University of Minnesota I am deeply passionate about funding our universities and science. I support making college more affordable as well, but want to see the cuts to science at the federal level restored!”
KEYWORDS: Fund science, support higher education
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 funding for treatment over simple incarceration and want to continue investing in helping our homeless population get more support and outreach, due to the overwhelming impacts of alcohol and addiction on this population. I also support many harm reduction policies promoted by addiction recovery advocates.”
KEYWORDS: Harm reduction, treatment over incarceration