SF1736

This bill proposes modifications to the structure, duties, and membership of Minnesota's Clean Water Council. Key changes include:

1. Membership Adjustments:

   • The bill revises the composition of the Clean Water Council by specifying the appointment process and adding representatives from various organizations, including farm groups, environmental and business organizations, local government entities, and tribal governments.
   • It ensures council members have expertise in relevant fields such as science, water quality, and hydrology.
   • Government agency representatives (such as from the Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Agriculture) and legislative members will serve as nonvoting members.

2. Changes to Responsibilities:

   • The Clean Water Council will advise on scheduling and preparing Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPS) and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies, prioritizing watersheds that pose the highest risks to human health, endangered species, and aquatic health.
   • The Council will continue making budget recommendations to the legislature regarding how Clean Water Fund money should be allocated.
   • Recommendations must support the protection, enhancement, and restoration of water quality, allocate funds for drinking water protection, and ensure resources to prevent water degradation.
   • The Council must provide annual reports to the legislature on Clean Water Fund expenditures, priorities for the upcoming biennium, and the impact of water protection efforts on economic development.

3. Removal of Certain Requirements:

   • The bill repeals the requirement for the Council to create an implementation plan outlining general procedures, timelines, and priority-setting for addressing impaired waters.
   • It also eliminates its responsibility to develop and implement public education strategies, leaving public agencies responsible for outreach.

Overall, this bill shifts some responsibilities while restructuring the membership of the Clean Water Council in Minnesota to enhance coordination in water quality oversight.