Negotiations on the environment and natural resources omnibus bill have been at an impasse over the ongoing dispute regarding the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s proposed “clean cars” rule. As we get closer to the expected June 14 special session, we have learned that the committee chairs have begun to meet again to negotiate a final bill. At this time, we are still not aware of the fate of a key CGMC environmental priority, the PFAS Municipal Source Reduction Initiative.
However, one bright spot is that the Legacy Committee has finished its work (pending approval by the entire Legislature), providing some good news on several CGMC priorities. The working group unveiled its budget spreadsheet last week and bill language this week. The Clean Water Fund portion of the bill directs nearly $16 million to the Public Facilities Authority’s Point Source Implementation Grant (PSIG) program and $500,000 to chloride reduction. In addition, chloride reduction funds that were deferred last year — when it appeared that the slowing economy would leave the fund short — have been restored. Both the PSIG grants and chloride reduction are priorities for the CGMC and we are happy to see them included in the Legacy bill.
We are also pleased that the Legacy working group removed several policy provisions that were in the House version of the bill. Specifically, the House bill dictated that the Minnesota Department of Health adopt specific numeric limits relating to several subcategories of Per-and-Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Although we recognize that health risk limits are likely needed to protect our cities’ drinking water, we believe the limits should be established by scientists, not legislators.
In addition to the clean water allocations, we are pleased that the Legacy bill dedicates 20% of the parks and trails funds to the regional parks and trails in Greater Minnesota, and that it includes funding for the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission.
We anticipate that the Legacy bill will be one of the first taken up when the Legislature meets for a special session next week.
If you have any questions regarding the Legacy bill or the CGMC’s environmental program, please contact Elizabeth Wefel at eawefel@flaherty-hood.com.
