ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota House of Representatives passed the Environment and Natural Resources Omnibus Bill Conference Committee Report on a bipartisan vote of 83-51, the compromise agreement between the House and Senate which aims to improve Minnesota's regulatory permitting process, clarify the state's buffer law to ensure fair treatment for farmers, and preserve Minnesota's place as a prime destination for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. The bill reconciles differences between the House and Senate Environment and Natural Resources proposals approved by each body earlier in session following the conference committee process.
“We have been working close with the Governor to develop a compromise that works to protect Minnesota’s environment without stifling business growth and development,” said Rep. Dan Fabian (R-Roseau), Chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. “This bill addresses the needs of local governments, as well as farmers and landowners to ensure the buffer law is more workable, while still protecting Minnesota’s water quality.”
This bill seeks to ensure that Minnesota's rigorous permitting process cannot be abused by state agencies and activist groups to delay projects that meet state standards. No part of the bill would lower environmental standards or remove existing permitting requirements. Instead, agencies would be required to provide projects with a schedule for issuing complex permits to ensure certainty to businesses and accountability to state agencies. Additionally, companies would be able to engage in an expedited permitting process provided they cover costs for increased staff time and resources.
Additionally, the bill addresses and improves the representational structure of the Environmental Quality Board by requiring appointments to the board be by congressional district, instead of statewide. Other provisions include funding for reforestation of state lands, allowing scopes on muzzle loaders, allowing hunters to wear blaze pink as an alternative to blaze orange, increasing penalties for those who grossly violate game and fish limits, and new funding for the Conservation Easement Stewardship program which restores wetlands and wildlife habitats.
The bill also makes changes to the state's buffer law, clarifying that all public ditches are subject to the long-standing 16.5 foot buffer requirement -- original intent of the legislature. The bill also allows for a waiver of compliance for up to 8 months, giving landowners and farmers the time they need to meet the new requirements.
The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for his consideration.
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