Bill > HF3339

This bill reinstates citizen membership for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), effectively reversing a 2015 legislative change that eliminated the citizens board. The bill creates an eight-member agency appointed by the governor, with specific requirements for membership diversity and representation. Members must reflect the state's racial, gender, and geographic diversity, and include specific representation such as at least one Tribal Nation member, three members from environmental justice communities, a small-scale farmer, and a labor union member. The citizens board will have decision-making authority on critical environmental matters, including permit issuances, environmental impact statements, rule adoptions, and the ability to review and potentially overturn agency staff decisions. Board members are prohibited from having financial interests in projects before the agency and must be broadly representative of skills needed to effectuate environmental policy. The commissioner will serve as the board's chair, and the board can make final decisions on various environmental and regulatory matters, including considering treaty rights and conducting government-to-government consultations with Tribal Nations. The bill aims to restore public oversight and ensure more diverse, representative decision-making in environmental regulation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF3339&ssn=0&y=2025