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State Representative Paul Anderson
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4317
For more information contact: House GOP Communications 651-296-5520
NEWS COLUMN
Cali cars, budget forecast make headlines
By State Rep. Paul Anderson
A bill known as the “California Cars” bill was heard in the Environmental Policy Committee March 3. It’s a measure that, if passed, would mandate all new cars and light-duty trucks sold in Minnesota beginning with the 2013 model year meet California vehicle emission standards. Currently, Minnesota follows federal EPA regulations, which are less restrictive.
Among those testifying against the bill were the Minnesota Auto Dealers Association, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, the Minnesota Ethanol Producers Association and the Minnesota Farm Bureau. Concerns raised included Minnesota becoming “an island” in the Midwest, with no neighboring states having adopted similar legislation. Car dealers, especially those located near the border, were concerned about trading vehicles with dealers in other states whose cars weren’t California certified.
There was conflicting testimony about the relationship between ethanol and California-certified cars. Proponents argued that California is gearing up for a big push to ethanol-blended gas pumps, while those against the bill cited literature from auto manufacturers that said certain flex-fueled vehicles were not available in California.
Concern was also raised about letting an 11-person, non-elected board in California dictate the standards by which Minnesota cars must be equipped. It was felt, by one testifier, that it would be better to let the new administration in Washington develop national policy for auto emissions and mileage standards. That way, there would be no issues pertaining to truck, SUV, or mini-van shortages in states that adopt the California standards.
Two aspects of the bill are of greatest concern to me. One is how adopting the California standards would affect ethanol usage and flex-fuel vehicles. And the other is this issue of allowing decisions that affect Minnesota residents to be made by other people in another state. Yes, the bill includes an “off ramp” should CARB (California Air Resources Board) decide to regulate ATV’s, snowmobiles or tractors, but I would just as soon see those decisions made here in St. Paul by representatives of the people who will be affected by these regulations.
I voted against the measure, but it passed on a close vote and was sent on to the Government Operations Committee.
The bill that makes changes to the Green Acres Legislation is still making its way through the committee process. It was heard in Environmental Policy and passed on to Environmental Finance. It would then proceed to the Tax Committee before coming up for a vote on the House floor.
Highlights of the bill include a full “Grandfather Clause” in for any land enrolled in Green Acres before last year and the inclusion of non-productive land in new enrollments, if it is part of an agricultural homestead. It would also allow land that was transferred to remain in Green Acres as long as the use of the land stays the same.
The long-awaited February budget forecast came out March 3. The deficit has grown since the last forecast was issued, but the impact of a $6.4 billion shortfall will be cushioned somewhat by approximately $1.8 billion in federal stimulus money. It’s my hope that we can now finally get down to the business of balancing our state’s budget.
Enjoyed a good meal and fellowship at Trinity Lutheran Church of Brooten last Sunday. I must have gotten carried away with visiting because the ladies in the kitchen brought me a go-cup for my coffee so they could finish washing dishes.
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Rep. Anderson encourages constituents to contact his new office with input regarding any state legislative issue. He can be reached on the web at www.house.mn/13A and via email at rep.paul.anderson@house.mn. To contact Anderson by phone, call (651) 296-4317. Mail can be sent to Rep. Paul Anderson, 239 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, Minnesota 55155.
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