Regulations and funding associated with recreation, water quality, forest timber and landfills comprise the omnibus environment finance bill.
The House Environment and Natural Resources Finance Division approved
HF3702 March 25 and referred it to the House Finance Committee. Division Chairwoman Rep. Jean Wagenius (DFL-Mpls) is its sponsor.
Recreational changes proposed include recreational vehicle and boat registration exemptions for tribal governments and for older model snowmobiles and ATVs. Horse riders would no longer be able to ride off-trail to avoid paying a trail pass since the pass would be expanded to off-trail riding. Blue Earth River would be added to the list of boating and canoe routes, which would be renamed “state water trails.” Cross-country skiers would pay more for passes and the money used to maintain or construct trails.
New requirements would have to be met before issuing a groundwater use permit and a task force would be created to address subsurface sewage treatment system issues.
Leases of state forestland would be allowed for up to 50 years, and any unsold timber could be liquidated for less than its appraised value. Another provision is intended to help timber and wood industry workers with 30 or fewer employees bid on harvesting smaller tracts of land.
Clarifying information was included to help the Pollution Control Agency draft new rules regulating landfills and the financial assurances required by their owners.
A few amendments were approved. A provision allowing 100 percent disabled veterans free state park admission was broadened to include free daily admission for veterans who are partially disabled. Another would allow utility license applicants to combine separate applications into one joint application and to pay one fee.
A companion,
SF3275, sponsored by Sen. Ellen Anderson (DFL-St. Paul), is scheduled to be heard March 26 by the Senate Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Budget Division.
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At Issue: Spending new proceeds
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