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State Representative Rick Hansen
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-6828
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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HOUSE PASSES BILL TO PROMOTE CONSERVATION & INVEST IN NATURAL RESOURCES
ST. PAUL – State Representative Rick Hansen, Vice-Chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Watersheds, Wetlands, and Buffers, is extremely pleased with the House Omnibus Environment and Natural Resources Bill he was instrumental in drafting. The bill passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 95 to 38 in a marathon floor session late Tuesday night.
"As a dedicated conservationist and environmental advocate representing a district surrounded by the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, I am proud of this legislation," said Hansen. "I believe the bill we passed balances protection of our state's vast natural resources with sound recreation and economic opportunities. Protecting our waters, improving habitat, and providing outdoor opportunities will improve Minnesota's quality of life."
Hansen was also encouraged by the emphasis on additional resources to fight invasive species in the bill. Invasive species in Minnesota waters have become a pervasive problem over the course of the last several years.
"Ultimately self-discipline is the best way to fight invasive species like the Asian Carp, Zebra Mussels, Eurasian Milfoil, and other invasive species threatening our lakes and rivers. This bill will be instrumental in the effort to protect our waters from the threat these species pose to our state," said Hansen.
The bill provides funding to improve trails, increases funding for metro area parks, and will test Minnesota waters and design the necessary cleanup plans within the next ten years. It also addresses several critical emerging issues pertinent to endocrine disruptors, preservation and restoration of native prairies, and global climate change.
Other highlights of the bill include: Clean Water Legacy Act money for assessing water pollution funding for the Pollution Control Agency to monitor and analyze endocrine disruptors; funding for the Health Department to evaluate the removal of PFOA, PFOS and PFBS from drinking water; improvements for metro parks and trails; funding to jump-start initiatives involving native prairies, native seeds and plant-based fuels.
This bill incorporates many government accountability measures initiated by Rep. Hansen.
"We require transparency and reporting to make sure there is oversight and public involvement," said Hansen.
The legislation will now proceed to conference committee in which members of the House and Senate will iron out the differences between their plans before the bills are sent back to the floors of both bodies for a final vote. The legislation will then be sent to the Governor for final approval.
"The citizens of Minnesota have been asking for serious action to protect and enhance our natural resources and move our state forward on energy reform," said Rep. Hansen. "By passing this bill with such bipartisan support, this Legislature has acted on the concerns and convictions of the people of Minnesota who hold our environment dear. This plan will help secure a healthier future for our natural resources and ultimately, all Minnesotans for many years to come."
News Items
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