Dear Neighbors,
Here is an update from St. Paul.
MPCA and Greater MN Landfill Operations
On Thursday, my legislation to rein in the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MCPA) rulemaking authority and clarify already set standards to bring regulatory certainty to demolition debris landfill operators in Greater Minnesota was heard.
This legislation came about after demolition landfill operators in Greater Minnesota applied for permit renewals, and were then informed after the fact that the rules had been changed. I don't believe there should be any new rulemaking imposed on landfill operators during the repermitting process. Furthermore, by bringing the MPCA to the table in this discussion, they can better understand the undue difficulties they placed on landfill operators in rural communities by suddenly altering the requirements and eliminating 10-years of regulatory certainty. We all share the goals of clean water, air and land, but the MPCA must include stakeholder and local input before unilaterally changing the rules halfway through the game.
For any Class I or II demolition debris landfill permit reissuance applications submitted by the effective date of this legislation, the bill would return the standards to meet the MPCA Demolition Landfill Guidance requirements published in 2005.
Klondike Project
In the Environment Committee this week, we heard my Klondike flood retention project bill for the Two Rivers Watershed District in Roseau and Kittson counties. Currently, some lands affected by the project are owned by the state, and my legislation is working to bring the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in as a partner on this project.
To ease the financial costs, the state would donate some land to the local watershed district as well as trade school trust lands in the project area. Northwest Minnesota does have some School Trust Lands, and Aaron Vande Linde, the Director of School Trust Lands, has spoken out in favor of trading those lands for this project.
The Klondike Project is an important for flood mitigation in our area, and I will continue to work with all parties involved to get it completed.
Reforming the PUC
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is an unelected board that has a significant impact on Greater Minnesota and infrastructure projects in our communities.
My bill, House File 3508, would require that starting in 2018, members of the PUC be elected by congressional district as opposed to being appointed by the governor. The bill would not affect any current members or our sitting governor and would add more accountability and voter say in an impactful part of state government.
My bill is moving through the committee process, and I am hopeful it will become law this year.
REAL ID
Many folks have been concerned about REAL ID compliance and what it will mean for people who want to use their Minnesota-issued driver's license to board an airplane. On Tuesday, the House passed legislation (125-2) that allows Minnesota to prepare for REAL ID. This is the first step to the process, repealing a 2009 law that prohibited our state from even discussing REAL ID compliance with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The measure passed on Tuesday requires the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to prepare a report in 14 days that will outline the steps for REAL ID implementation, as well as its associated costs. After the legislature reviews that report, we will pass additional legislation to implement REAL ID in Minnesota.
Furthermore, the Commissioner of Public Safety has been directed to request temporary relief for Minnesotans needing a REAL ID to enter military bases and federal buildings, as well as for air travel until the year 2020.
The eventual goal is to have the state issuing compliant Minnesota drivers' licenses by October 2016, which would put license renewal within its current cycle so no one would have the unnecessary headache of having renew their license early at additional cost and hassle.
I recognize there are concerns regarding Real ID for many people. My goal is to put a plan in place that addresses the concerns people have with Real ID and the changes that result in its implementation.
This is an important issue for many folks across the state, and I look forward to resolving the issue this session.
Workforce Housing Legislation
Since first being elected to office, one of the issues I have been continually advocating for is the expansion of workforce housing in Greater Minnesota to help workers and their families find homes, and to help employers attract more workers.
This week in the Greater Minnesota Economic and Workforce Development Committee, my Workforce Homeownership bill was passed that would form a community-based statewide initiative to double the number of current homeownership opportunities for working Minnesotans. The bill would direct the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency and help do everything from renovating and preserving aging housing to creating new manufactured homes in communities experiencing housing shortages.
By focusing on homeownership instead of just rentals, it will require less public investment, provide a boost to local workers in real estate related industries and help more Minnesotans become homeowners.
The bill was passed and sent to the Job Growth and Energy Affordability Policy and Finance Committee.
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My door is always open to the needs and priorities of our area. Please feel free to let me know if I can be of assistance to you and your family. I am here to serve you!
Dan
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