State Sen. Carrie Ruud was recognized by the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) Aug. 3 during the Coalition’s three-day summer conference in Fergus Falls for her positive impact on the state’s environmental policy.

Sen. Ruud, a Republican from Breezy Point, is serving her third term in the Minnesota Senate. The Legislator of Distinction Award is given to legislators who played key roles in advancing CGMC’s policy during the preceding session.

As chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Legacy Finance Committee, Sen. Ruud is a leading supporter of the CGMC’s environmental regulatory reform initiatives. This session she was the chief author of legislation that aimed to make the permitting process more transparent and simpler for cities. She led the bill through multiple hearings to its ultimate passage. She also played a key role in securing the first new funding in more than a decade for two local parks and trails grant programs that are particularly important to Greater Minnesota communities who may not qualify for other types of state funding.

“Sen. Ruud combines a passion for the outdoors and protecting the environment with the common sense needed to make sound decisions about regulatory policies and funding,” said Sara Carlson, mayor of Alexandria and president of the CGMC. “Thanks to her efforts, cities will see an improved permitting process as well as additional funding options for parks and trails projects.”

CGMC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization representing 90 cities outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Coalition educates legislators about issues important to Greater Minnesota.