Legislative Update – June 16, 2023
Dear neighbors,
As you may know, wildfires in Canada and Northern Minnesota have been affecting air quality throughout the state, including the Twin Cities. I would like to take this opportunity to share that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has an air quality monitoring website you can visit for up-to-date information about local air quality and how to best respond.
As these events continue, know that I am committed to doing all we can at the Capitol to address and combat climate change and ensure Minnesotans have clean soil, water, and air.
Pollinator Week!
June 19-25th is Pollinator Week 2023, a week to honor the key role pollinators play in our ecosystem while also recognizing and addressing the threats they currently face—many of which are human-caused.
I am proud of the pro-pollinator legislation we have put forward here in Minnesota. Whether it’s increasing native habitat, restricting harmful pesticide use, or funding research on the causes and solutions to pollinator population decline, it’s no surprise that the Natural Resources Defense Council highlighted Minnesota’s work this session as a nationwide leader in pollinator protection!
Cottage Grove Strawberry Days
This weekend is Cottage Grove Strawberry Fest! I hope you all will be able to get out with family and friends to enjoy the events being put on all weekend. You can find more information on the event website: https://www.cottagegrovestrawberryfest.com/
Water Provisions in Environment Budget
Our Environment and Natural Resources budget works to ensure that we have clean water for fishing, swimming, and drinking now and into the future, including:
- $35M to restore and modernize fish hatcheries, $10M to modernize culverts and streams to allow better passage for fish and wildlife, and $35M to modernize boating access.
- Watercraft Operator Safety Training and Permits – This establishes required boater safety training and certification for all operators age 12+ born on or after July 1, 1987.
- Lead Tackle Reduction Program – $1 million - This provision tucked into the Swan Protection Act creates both an educational and a lead tackle reduction program.
- Reporting on Fish Kills – Calls for the development of a comprehensive interagency protocol for dealing with fish kills. It defines “fish kill”, mandates reporting times for observers, requires OER to alert relevant departments within one hour, and creates a rapid response team for these incidents.
We also have significant investments in wastewater infrastructure and inflow an infiltration, including funding for the city of Newport. Mayor Elliott recently contacted my office about the legislature’s investments this session!
Stay in Touch
Please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback throughout the legislative session. You can reach me by email at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-6828. You can contact my legislative assistant Sam O'Neill at 651-296-3305 or via email at samuel.oneill@house.mn.gov.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative