Legislative Update – March 5, 2024
Dear neighbors,
Last week was another busy week at the Capitol as I had meetings with South Metro Fire Chief Mark Juelfs, Ryan McEaney and others from the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association, Emma, who is a PSEO student at Northwestern from Cottage Grove, and folks from the Washington County Community Development Agency.
Today I was proud to meet with members of the Canadian government and consulate about the environment and water issues. We met with Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor for Water, and Beth Richardson, the Consul General.
Addressing Nitrate Pollution
Last week, the Agriculture Committee passed my proposal for a “personal responsibility” fee on fertilizer that will help provide clean drinking water to residents affected by nitrate pollution in Southern Minnesota. Read more background here: Proposal would tax Minnesota farmers to help pay for cleanup of nitrate pollution
We’ve done more than most states to address this issue, but it’s still not working, and average taxpayers have been on the hook to subsidize those who use fertilizer. My bill would add a dedicated source paid by users to address the drinking water crisis. I was glad to see the committee advance my proposal, which will next be heard in the Environment Committee.
Environment Committee Hearing
Last week the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee, which I chair, passed my legislation strengthening Governor Mark Dayton’s 2015 wetlands buffer land bill. The legislation toughens penalties for those who fail to protect our lakes, rivers, and streams.
You can read more about the legislation here: Big bump in buffer penalties could be coming under bill that clears environment committee.
PFAS and Water Infrastructure
Finally, Capital Investment Chair Fue Lee and I held a joint hearing last week on recent PFAS settlements, the infrastructure costs, and looked at what other states are doing to address this issue. You can read more about the hearing in this WCCO story
You can read my full press release here: House Capital Investment and Environment Committees Hold Joint Hearing on PFAS Contamination’s Effect on Water Infrastructure
Stay in Touch!
Please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback throughout the year. 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