Bill seeks to bring community input into pollution violation agreements

Communities impacted by pollution may get the opportunity to help develop health projects paid for by the offender.

Violators found guilty of violating state and federal laws can currently be offered the opportunity to participate in voluntary environmental projects, in accordance with EPA regulations.

As amended, HF167, sponsored by Rep. Fue Lee (DFL-Mpls), would ensure all violators whose pollution could result in human health impacts be offered the opportunity to undertake a supplemental health environmental project.

A percentage of the cost incurred by undertaking supplemental environment projects would continue to count as an offset for civil penalties.

Rep. Fue Lee

Lee’s bill would allow impacted communities to voluntarily work with the Department of Health and Pollution Control Agency to craft projects that include diagnostic, preventative, and/or treatments related to actual or potential harm from pollution exposure as a project option for polluters.

Approved Wednesday by the House Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee, the bill next goes to the House Ways and Means Committee.

Expressing support, Rep. Aisha Gomez (DFL-Mpls) spoke about the long-term impacts of lead poisoning. Referencing her Hawthorne neighborhood in Minneapolis adjacent to the North Metal plant which recently entered into a settlement with PCA and the city, Gomez said one in 10 resident children are directly affected, facing a lifetime of cognitive impairment.

“Is there a way to make it so this isn’t left to the goodwill of the company that has violated our air standards?” Gomez queried.

Lee responded that he welcomed assistance in crafting the bill to be more effective.

“This is the best proposal that I have to address this concern,” Lee said. “… I don’t want this [pollution] to impact other communities in the state of Minnesota.”

Data privacy concerns were brought up by Rep. Dale Lueck (R-Aitkin) and Rep. Steve Green (R-Fosston) over language in the bill requiring data be collected. A legislative report would be required, including information on samples and analysis of persons potentially impacted by pollution.

Outdoor recreation bill

Also heading to the House Ways and Means Committee is HF133, as amended.

Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn

Sponsored by Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn (DFL-Roseville) it would create a “No Child Left Inside” grant aimed at providing community nonprofits and public entities with funding to promote youth natural resources-based education and recreation. No specific dollar amount is in the bill.

Responding to criticism that the need is to fill gaps in existing programs rather than create new programs, Becker-Finn said, “We cannot just keep thinking that we know best. And that we can send someone from the dominant culture into another community, and when they say, ‘Listen to me, this is what you need to do,’ that that community is obligated to trust and engage with that person.”

Lueck called the comment deeply offensive.

“There is a majority culture that exists. Stating that fact is not itself offensive,” Becker-Finn countered. “We have to open our eyes and open up to the idea that maybe we don’t know the best. Communities themselves know best how to engage their communities.”