The Zero Burn Coalition says Hennepin County employees recorded activists’ plans to close Minneapolis, Minnesota’s waste incinerator and shared some campaign information with industry contacts, raising questions about local government outreach and the facility’s future.
In an Oct. 22 report, the coalition said county records obtained through public data requests describe Environmental Engagement Coordinator Joe Vital joining a June 13, 2023, Zoom meeting at manager Angie Timmons’ request. The coalition said Vital later sent supervisors notes identifying participants and outlining planned activities. The records do not establish a countywide policy or legal violation, or show that the exchanges caused a bill to stall.
The Guardian reported that Assistant Director David McNary forwarded activists’ emails about HF 4231 to industry contacts in a March 13, 2024, email. Recipients included Tim Steinbeck, president of GRE HERC Services LLC, which operates HERC for the county. HF 4231 proposed allowing cities to phase out certain nonconforming industrial uses. Its docket lists introduction and committee referral on Feb. 26, followed by an author addition on March 14, but no later committee action.
A Hennepin County spokesperson told The Guardian the allegations “mischaracterize the county’s community engagement work and staff responsibilities.” The spokesperson characterized staff attendance at meetings and their online activity as routine outreach. Audua Pugh, executive director of the Jordan Area Community Council, said in a coalition statement that the county was “listening in” on activists.
Hennepin County says HERC processes about 365,000 tons of waste annually, produces enough electricity for 25,000 homes and supplies steam for downtown Minneapolis heating and cooling. The county says emissions averaged 80% below levels permitted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) from 2016 through 2025. The coalition says pollution and health risks fall disproportionately on nearby, lower-income communities.
A Hennepin County Board resolution adopted Oct. 24, 2023, directed County Administration to develop recommendations for the board on closing HERC between 2028 and 2040. The resolution cited insufficient infrastructure and a lack of state policies or resources to reduce waste as barriers to a faster closure. The coalition is calling for closure by Jan. 1, 2028.
