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RELEASE: Schultz statement on GOP bill to stop clean water protections

Monday, April 16, 2018

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota House Monday was set to approve a Republican-authored bill to prohibit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) from implementing their proposed rules for nitrogen fertilizer use, unless explicitly allowed by the Legislature. These rules, authorized under 1989’s Groundwater Protection Act, would protect Minnesota’s water resources by minimizing nitrate pollution.

Gov. Mark Dayton delivered a letter to the chairs of the House Agriculture committees indicating he’d veto the bill, HF 2887. Commissioner of Agriculture David Frederickson sent one to the authors of the legislation sharing his opposition.

Representative Jen Schultz (DFL – Duluth) issued the following statement:

“As Minnesotans, we care deeply about our clean water resources, and future generations are counting on us to protect them. Measures to reduce the overuse of harmful fertilizers are long overdue, as illustrated by the length of time since the Groundwater Protection Act was passed. This bill moves us in the wrong direction. Our collective, shared value, is to maintain clean water in Minnesota.

“Those involved have worked for many years on this package of protections, using not just sound scientific data, but also gathering input from more than 1,500 farmers and others during 17 public hearings. This significant level of public engagement highlights the need for this conversation to continue without unnecessary interference from the Legislature.

“Minnesota’s water resources belong to all of us. By working together, we can create sound policy that not only protects our drinking water, but gives farmers an opportunity to continue their vital work for our state in a sustainable manner. Let’s allow the MDA and others to continue this work to keep our drinking water clean and protect the health of Minnesotans by voting no on this bill.”