Bluestem's up in Moorhead for a speaking engagement, but thought we'd passed along this action alert just in from the Minnesota Environmental Action Network. Readers will recognize many of the objectionable parts of the bill from earlier posts.
The action alert:
In a disappointing move this week, the Minnesota Legislature moved forward multiple Dirty Water provisions pollute so-called “Environment” Bills. A floor vote on the House bill is expected this Friday. The Senate Bill also was amended to include some of the Dirty Water provisions.
Tell your legislators:
"Oppose the Dirty Water Omnibus Bill"House File 846 attacks Clean Water rules and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). Specifically, the House bill:
In a disappointing move this week, the Minnesota Legislature moved forward multiple Dirty Water provisions pollute so-called “Environment” Bills. A floor vote on the House bill is expected this Friday. The Senate Bill also was amended to include some of the Dirty Water provisions.
Tell your legislators:
"Oppose the Dirty Water Omnibus Bill"House File 846 attacks Clean Water rules and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). Specifically, the House bill:
- Eliminates the MPCA Citizens' Board’s long-standing power to make important environmental review decisions;
- Suspends new pollution limits designed to protect rivers from suspended solids, phosphorus, and other pollution;**
- Blocks the MPCA's clean water rulemaking authority and upends the rulemaking process by giving legislators veto power over water quality rules – on the pretense of injecting more science into agency decision making;
- Prohibits the MPCA from doing its duty under the Federal Clean Water Act, including enforcement of existing water standards meant to safeguard wild rice;**
- Weakens the Department of Natural Resources’ ability to protect trout streams, rivers, and lakes from the negative effects of over-pumping groundwater; and
- Raids tens of Millions of dollars from the dedicated fund meant to clean up and protect our water from closed and leaking landfills.**
**These Dirty Water Provisions are also in the Senate bill, which passed the Senate floor on Earth Day.
These bills roll back long-standing protections for our Great Outdoors. They are a “wish-list” from corporate interests and the Dirty Water Caucus in the Legislature, who want to undermine the state agencies and laws that protect our water.
Thank you for taking action.
Photo: Denny McNamara, House Environmental Committee chair.
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