Topic: Environment

Legacy Bill Passes, Earns First Vetoes of Session

(Published May 28, 2013)

Clean water fund continues to prioritize work to comply with Clean Water Act.

Environment Budget Bill Passes at End of Session

(Published May 28, 2013)

The package has a heavy focus on groundwater policy and funding.

Legislature Passes Slimmed-Down Bonding Bill In Last Hours of Session

(Published May 28, 2013)

The last-minute compromise bill authorizes $176 million in general obligation bonds.

Environmental Issues are Big Focus at End of Session

(Published May 24, 2013)

Agency budgets, legacy funds, bonding bill were all completed in final two days of session.

Simplified Process Adopted for Organized Solid Waste Collection

(Published May 13, 2013)

The new law replaces the 180-day process for adopting organized collection with a 60-day negotiation period.

House Approves Water Appropriation Fee Increases

(Published Apr 29, 2013)

The Senate budget bill, which has passed the full Senate, does not include a fee increase.

Mississippi River Critical Area Rule Authority Proposed

(Published Apr 29, 2013)

The proposal allows 2008-2009 rule writing to be continued, but removes contentious mandatory definitions.

Organized Collection Bill Passes Senate Floor

(Published Apr 24, 2013)

League-supported bill passed Senate floor 66-0 and awaits action on the House floor.

UPDATED: Water Appropriation Fee Increase Included in House Budget Bill

(Published Apr 12, 2013)

Fees were reduced from initial proposal.

Silica Sand Bill Passes First Committee

(Published Feb 26, 2013)

Senate bill includes statewide moratorium, comprehensive environmental study of silica extraction and processing impacts, and new joint powers planning authority.

Silica Sand Debate Starts at Capitol

(Published Feb 25, 2013)

The Legislature’s approach could take a number of different directions.

Environmental Agency Increases Proposed in Governor’s Budget

(Published Jan 28, 2013)

Some changes will be useful to cities, while others redirect funds away from helping cities’ residents and businesses and toward helping agricultural businesses.

House Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Finance Committee lays out early session plans

(Published Jan 11, 2013)

Groundwater, environmental infrastructure, air pollution among topics slated for presentations.

Frac Sand Mining in Minnesota

(Published Jan 7, 2013)

Frac sand mining in is expected to be discussed during the 2013 legislative session.

Clean Water Council Preparing Recommendations for Legacy Funds

(Published Jul 25, 2012)

Cities requested to review and provide input on clean water fund budget recommendations.

Cities and Others Highlight Agriculture Impacts on Water Quality

(Published May 31, 2012)

The League, environmental groups, and farm and business representatives say the state needs to require farm operators to do their part to address water pollution.