Environmental review permits can take months or even years to complete, depending upon how contentious they become. Some developers may even walk away from a project if the process takes too long.
Sponsored by Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park),
HF3079 would set a goal for the Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources and Pollution Control Agency to issue or deny environmental and resource management permits within 150 days after an application is made. The average length of time for a completed environmental review is 228 days, but that includes the Department of Transportation, which is not included in the bill.
There would be no penalty if a review took longer.
Hortman told the House Environment Policy and Oversight Committee March 4 that speeding up the process would “increase faith in the system.”
Rep. Andrew Falk (DFL-Murdock) unsuccessfully tried to delete a provision that would allow contested environmental assessment worksheets and environmental impact statements to bypass district court and be referred to the Court of Appeals.
The committee approved the bill, which awaits action by the House Environment and Natural Resources Finance Division.
Sen. Linda Scheid (DFL-Brooklyn Park) sponsors the companion,
SF2761, which awaits action by the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
Doling out resources
Omnibus environment and natural resources law also contains energy provisions
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Published 6/1/2010
Definitions matter
Language for environment and energy spending called into question
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Published 5/13/2010
Supplant or supplement?
Some think constitutionally dedicated funds may be filling traditional funding void
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Published 4/29/2010
Sinking the law on sunken timber
DNR intends to let sleeping logs lie
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Published 4/29/2010
Minnesota Index: Earth, wind and fire
Figures and statistics on Earth Day and the environment
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Published 4/15/2010
Minnesota Index: Quality of life
Figures and statistics on Minnesota's quality of life
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Published 3/25/2010
Talkin’ trash
PCA discovers interpreting the letter of the law isn’t easy
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Published 3/18/2010
Land wHOa!
Audit suggests DNR has more land than they can manage
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Published 3/11/2010
Safe Drug Disposal Act
Leftover drugs find their way to fish and teens
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Published 2/11/2010
At Issue: Money for outdoors, arts gets green light
Legacy bill passes but still needs work
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Published 5/29/2009
At Issue: Unearthing the state’s past
Legacy bill moves through final process quickly, awaits floor action
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Published 5/8/2009
At Issue: Funding environment and energy
Conferees make additional spending cuts
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Published 5/8/2009
First Reading: Wildfire in slow motion
Emerald ash borer ignites prevention policies
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Published 5/1/2009
At Issue: Animal, vegetable, mineral … or chemical?
Toxic Free Kids Act survives House floor omnibus debate
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Published 4/24/2009
At Issue: Control-alt-delete
Electronic waste collections called ‘too successful’
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Published 4/10/2009
Minnesota Index: Extreme weather
Figures and statistics on weather records in Minnesota
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Published 4/10/2009
At Issue: Spending new proceeds
Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council considers projects for new tax receipts
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Published 2/6/2009