Governor Tim Walz today accepted the resignation of Laura Bishop, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Commissioner, following notification from Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka that the Republican-led Senate is refusing to confirm Bishop’s appointment.

Throughout her tenure as Commissioner, Bishop has worked with communities across the state to develop innovative, community-centered approaches that protect Minnesota’s waters and foster stronger economic growth; brought together citizens, business community leaders, and legislators from across the aisle to pass the nation’s first trichloroethylene (TCE) ban, a man-made chemical harmful to health; secured new funding to help develop a market for recyclable materials, helping to reduce waste and create jobs in Minnesota; and tackled climate change with a focus on science and innovation to protect Minnesota’s environment for generations to come.

Despite that leadership on behalf of all Minnesotans and future generations, Republican leaders in the Minnesota Senate have informed the Governor that Bishop’s appointment would not be confirmed by the Republican-led Senate. Following that news, Bishop chose to submit her resignation in order to ensure a smooth and orderly transition in the agency.

“I am extremely disappointed in the Republicans in the Senate who are choosing to use taxpayer dollars to play partisan games and try to politicize an agency charged with protecting Minnesotans from pollution because they refuse to acknowledge the science of climate change. Commissioner Bishop’s qualifications are clear, and her principles are unwavering. I am proud of her decision to stand firm in her beliefs that climate change is real and to not bend her policies and values in order to get through this disingenuous confirmation process,” said Governor Walz. “For all Minnesotans who believe in science, who believe in climate change, this is a loss.”

“Commissioner Bishop has been the leader that Minnesota needs in this moment, as our state and nation fight against time to protect our environment for generations to come,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “I am deeply grateful for the Commissioner’s visionary leadership to combat climate change while spurring economic development across our state at a critical time. Her departure, while noble, a loss for our future generations.”

“It has been an honor to serve Minnesotans in this role. However, I will not allow the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to be politicized. The work is too important,” said Bishop. “I look forward to continued work to protect our state’s waters, air, land, and climate for future generations of Minnesotans.”

The Minnesota Senate removed two other commissioners during special sessions last year—Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley and Commissioner of Labor and Industry Nancy Leppink, both exceptionally qualified public servants—an unprecedented move in Minnesota history.

Bishop was appointed commissioner in January 2019. Prior to joining the Administration, Bishop was with Best Buy for 15 years where she most recently held the job of Chief Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Officer. As a company officer and member of the Best Buy Operating Committee, Bishop was part of the core leadership team that helped lead the successful turn-around for the company. Additionally, Bishop developed key strategies that linked purpose and profitability by establishing company goals focused on reducing the impacts of climate change, from recycling 2 billion pounds of electronics to reducing the company’s carbon footprint by 60% by 2020.

Bishop also served in several important public sector roles including with the State of Minnesota, the White House, the U.S. Department of Education, and the State Department at the U.S. Embassy in Switzerland. Bishop’s active community involvement is highlighted by her dedication to the boards and councils on which she currently serves, including her work as the Chair of the Dean's Advisory Committee at the University of Minnesota’s Hubert Humphrey School for Public Affairs.

Effective immediately, MPCA Deputy Commissioner Peter Tester will serve as Temporary Commissioner of the agency.