Rusty Nelson
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“Having conducted research and authored journal articles, consultation and collaboration with others is critical to good policy. One should consider other perspectives, anticipate short-term and long-term consequences or repercussions of a legislative action (or inaction).”
KEYWORDS: consultation, collaboration, perspectives
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 have been to the BWCA many times, and was a guide for a summer there. We need minerals, but also need to protect special places like the BWCA. It is possible for extraction methods to improve and be environmentally safe. However, the track record for mining is full of instances where it is not environmentally safe. While I would not close the door entirely on mining in the BWCA watershed, there would need to be ample evidence and history of a safe mining practice before allowing it there.”
KEYWORDS: environmentally safe, evidence, extraction
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?
“First, acknowledge that PFAS pollution exists and hold the manufacturers accountable for cleanup costs. Support research into the catalysis of PFAS, facilitated either by inorganic means or by microbial means.”
KEYWORDS: accountable, inorganic catalysis, microbial catalysis
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?
“People and businesses should not be disadvantaged by the presence and operation of a large data center. Power, cooling, noise from the center, and any new infrastructure necessary for its operation should not raise power rates for neighbors. Nor should other resource demands (i.e. water) be taken from the people and infrastructure originally built for a community prior to the presence of a data center. Any proposed data center should come with a plan for power, cooling, and noise mitigation that addresses all needs and concerns. Clean energy generation, battery backup, geothermal cooling, and strategic location can help with these issues.”
KEYWORDS: Power, noise mitigation, 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?
“As a state legislator I would have no authority over federal research grants. However, the state does fund some research that impacts infrastructure and natural resources. The Office of Grants Management is state-funded. I would support these existing programs and lend a voice of strong support for federal funding of scientific research.”
KEYWORDS: Office of Grants Management, infrastructure, natural resources
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?
“Part of the reduction in fatal drug overdoses is due to the expanded distribution and availability of naloxone. The state can be deliberate about making certain that all Minnesotans have equal access to naloxone and other drug interventions. One way to equalize access is for the state to facilitate ambulance (EMS) services to have adequate supply of naloxone, and to have enough services so that no part of our population is too far from help, either an ambulance coming to them or they going to a clinic.”
KEYWORDS: naloxone, ambulance, equal access