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Minnesota House approves Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund investments

Sunday, May 17, 2020

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives approved HF 4554, legislation that invests $61.4 million from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund in projects that protect, conserve, preserve, and enhance Minnesota’s natural resources.

“Minnesotans are proud of our state’s abundant natural resources,” said Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL – South St. Paul), the author of the bill. “They continue to support the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund because it strengthens environmental projects in every corner of the state. These investments will keep vital projects running, address emerging environmental issues, and preserve our natural resources for future generations of Minnesotans.”

The package of legislation contains most of the projects that were selected by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), a bipartisan group that recommends environmental projects to the legislature. It appropriates $29.95 million for various land acquisition, habitat, and recreation projects that will help maintain and improve parks, trails, and recreation areas across the state. An additional $3.95 million is provided for water resources projects, including $1.4 million to develop strategies that would help municipal wastewater plants, landfills, and compost facilities manage per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and $699,000 to study the ability of coronavirus to travel through wastewater systems to drinking water sources.

The bill includes funding to protect Minnesota’s native plants and animals and control invasive species. $11.84 million is dedicated to research and management of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species, including emerald ash borer and carp. $4.2 million is allocated to projects that protect and restore public land, water, and habitat. A few of these projects, such as Lawns to Legumes, support pollinators that play a critical role in our ecosystem and food supply.

In addition, the legislation invests $2.74 million in technical assistance, outreach, and environmental education. Many of these programs connect children and young adults with nature, while others support individuals pursuing careers in conservation. Several aim to educate Minnesotans about specific environmental issues, such as the danger that lead ammunition poses to raptors and other species. The legislation also includes $8.59 million for projects that collect foundational data and information about Minnesota’s natural resources; $573,000 for air quality and renewable energy projects, including demonstration projects at wastewater treatment facilities; and $135,000 to reimburse the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for contract administration.

During debate, Rep. Hansen discussed the bill with members. “What unites us all?” he asked. “Breathing clean air is important. Public engagement improves the outcome.”

Since 1991, the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund has supported hundreds of environmental projects in every corner of the state. The ENRTF’s resources are generated by the Minnesota State Lottery and used to conserve the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.  

A list of the projects included in this legislation can be found here. Video of the House floor session will be available on House Public Information Services’ YouTube channel.