Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to reinstate the citizens' board of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The board originally served as a public oversight mechanism, allowing citizens from various regions of Minnesota to have a say in environmental regulatory decisions. This board was disbanded by the legislature in 2015, and the bill seeks to bring it back to ensure public interest and diverse perspectives are represented in environmental decisions.

Main Provisions

• Reinstatement of the Citizens' Board: The bill proposes to recreate a board with eight members appointed by the governor, alongside the commissioner of the MPCA.
• Diverse Representation: The board must reflect the state's diversity in terms of race, gender, and geography. Specific members should include a tribal member, residents from environmental justice communities, a small-scale farmer, and a labor union member.
• Conflict of Interest Provisions: Members should not have a financial interest in any projects reviewed by the agency.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Decision-Making Authority: The board will have final decision-making powers on crucial environmental matters, such as whether environmental assessment worksheets or impact statements are needed, and issuing or revoking permits.
• Public Involvement: The commissioner must inform the public about their right to request board decision-making on specific environmental issues.
• Consultation with Tribal Nations: The board is required to consider consultation with Tribal Nations and the impact on treaty rights when reviewing projects.
• Agency Operations: The bill specifies operational efficiencies for the agency, emphasizing the use of technology, coordination with other agencies, and public participation.

Relevant Terms

• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
• Citizens Board
• Environmental Assessment Worksheet
• Environmental Impact Statement
• Environmental Justice Communities
• Tribal Nations
• Small-Scale Farmer
• Labor Union Member
• Public Oversight
• Environmental Regulation