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State Representative Kurt Zellers
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5502
For more information contact: Jodi Boyne 651-296-0640
NEWS RELEASE
Zellers Says Office of Legislative Auditor Report Supports HF1
SAINT PAUL, MN -- (January 10, 2011) -- Speaker of the House Kurt Zellers today said the Environmental Review and Permitting report released by the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) demonstrates the need for House File 1 and additional reforms.
The report cited inconsistency in meeting objectives on reducing delay and uncertainty and eliminating duplication in the environmental review process. In addition, the OLA cited concerns with adequate data to track timeliness, limited oversight, and a wide variance in the time it takes to complete environmental reviews or issue a permit.
Zellers said the OLA report confirms the need for HF1, a bill to streamline the environmental review and permitting process, which was sent to Governor Mark Dayton for signature on Monday.
"The state’s complex and uncertain process is a major roadblock to business development and job creation," said Speaker Kurt Zellers. "We knew this was a problem and made it our top priority this session. The legislation we passed addresses some of the concerns raised in the OLA report. But our reform work has just started."
Zellers said despite claimed process improvements, state agencies were unable to produce accurate or timely data in terms of how long it takes to complete a permit or environmental review.
"This is what business owners, other government entities and farmers have been telling us for years," Speaker Zellers said. ""They said you can’t get a straight answer out of the Pollution Control Agency and it looks like the OLA had similar challenges. This is not representative of the responsive, customer-oriented service we need in state government."
Zellers praised Rep. Dan Fabian, a first term member who chief authored HF1, for passing important legislation despite concerns from lawmakers who wanted to wait for more information.
"Reforms like this can’t wait. Rep. Fabian saw a need for improvement and passed legislation that starts to address concerns raised in the OLA report," Speaker Zellers said. ""Our work is not done but at least we have laid a good foundation on which to build."
Zellers said House Republicans would review the information in the report and determine what additional legislation is needed.
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