We've been following the shenanigans in the Minnesota legislature with passing a bill for Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund appropriations. Readers may recall posts like Minnesota Environmental Partnership reacts to MN Senate's intent to not act on Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund appropriation and Outdoor enthusiasts and journalists push for environmental trust fund spending win from the regular session.
One of the potential consequences of these political games would be the loss of valuable time by important research projects. Fortunately, House DFL leadership was on it.
HF37 (Hansen), providing flexibility to recycling/solid waste facilities and extending LCCMR funding set to expire at the end of June, passes the House 127-7. #mnleg
— Clay Schwartzwalter (@ClaytheSchwartz) June 12, 2020
Update: From the Journal of the House, here are the names of the seven lawmakers who voted against the bill:
Bahr
Drazkowski
Lucero
Mekeland
Miller
Munson
Novotny
As we noted on June 16 in Update: MN Senate passes HF37, extending funds for select ENRTF projects for a year, HF37 passed on a vote of 67-0 on Monday.
the senate vote
Update: The MNHouse Information Services Youtube of the Debate:
Here's the press release from the House with the details:
[Friday] the Minnesota House of Representatives approved legislation to deliver flexibility for environmental projects and recycling and composting facilities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill, authored by Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL – South St. Paul), was amended to improve access to wildlife management areas for people with disabilities.
“The legislation we passed today will provide the flexibility needed to continue important environmental projects,” said Rep. Hansen. “It allows recycling facilities to adapt and implement changes to protect Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic and takes steps to improve access to wildlife management areas for people with disabilities. These changes will help protect our environment and expand recreational opportunities during and after this public health crisis.”
The bill establishes a process for recipients of Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund appropriations to obtain a one-year extension for funding that is set to expire on June 30, 2020. Many of these projects were delayed due to the pandemic.
Tax exemptions for mixed municipal solid waste management are protected under the bill. This measure provides flexibility for recycling and composting facilities that are implementing changes to address COVID-19.
Another provision requires the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to work with the Council on Disability to improve access to wildlife management areas for hunting and other recreational opportunities.
The bill is available here, and the amendment is available here.
A sample of tweets about the passage of the bill:
Thank you!!! #CWD still spreading in Minnesota 🦌. We must connect with the full spectrum of Minnesota’s diverse hunting community. @UMN_MNPRO @mndnr @umnCVM @CIDRAP_CWD @TiffanyMWolf @Lethal_Insight @roxy_larsen https://t.co/t0QpUhoE61
— Peter Larsen (@peter_a_larsen) June 12, 2020
HF 37 (@reprickhansen) passes #mnleg House floor. Extends deadlines for 50 LCCMR projects delayed due to pandemic, allows recycling requirements flexibility in peacetime emergency. A1 amendment requires DNR to work with Council on Disability to improve accessibility to WMAs♿️
— Jamie Becker-Finn (@jbeckerfinn) June 12, 2020
Photo: The loon money.
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