We've been covering the Environment and Natural Resources Conference Committee (SF 959) including the Saturday morning meeting in which only one Senate member--Chair Bill Ingebrigsten, R-Alexandria--bothered to show up. While there was no quorum, the meeting ran the entire three hours.
Video in Lutefisk booya: new offer, new editorial, new morning of environment committee meeting.
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee chair representative Rick Hansen, DFL-S. St. Paul, is trying to use the scheduled meeting time to secure agreement on constitutionally dedicated funds. Claiming that all discussion of these measures has occurred in the LCCMR, Ingebrigsten refuses to have the conversation about differences related to them in the two chambers' versions of the bill.
And lets his fellow Senate committee members sleep in to make sure no votes can be taken.
This letter, tweeted by conference committee member state representative Kelly Morrison, clarifies a central point:
Chair @reprickhansen clarifies that appropriations from #ENRTF are NOT tied to budget targets. They are constitutionally dedicated funds that are intended to supplement critical environmental and natural resources work. Let’s get it done! #FreeLCCMR #EnviroConferenceCommittee pic.twitter.com/UFWk8gEbIk
— Kelly Morrison (@Morrison4MN) May 8, 2021
It's worth looking at earlier reporting and opinion in the Star Tribune about the environment omnibus bill. Check out Greg Stanley's Minnesota 'clean cars' rules may move forward, administrative law judge says and Briana Bierschbach and Jessie Van Berkel's Minnesota leaders miss their own deadline for budget framework. From the editorial board: No need for 'or-else' legislative demands in Minnesota.
Here's Saturday's meeting:
Related posts:
- Lutefisk booya: new offer, new editorial, new morning of environment committee meeting
- OAH judge rules in favor of MN Clean Car Rules; @sen_inge quickly adjourns conference committee
- Enviro Conference Committee: in no-drama move, House releases offer hours before meeting
- In the spirit of compromise, Sen. Ingebrigtsen denies shutdown strategy, makes offer, takes Senate members, logs out and goes home
- Enviro Conference Committee: in no-drama move, House releases offer hours before meeting
- In the spirit of compromise, Sen. Ingebrigtsen denies shutdown strategy, makes offer, takes Senate members, logs out and goes home
- New low for #mnleg: Senate Republicans to shut down parks, Zoo & more over emission rules
- [Star Tribune] Senate Republicans threaten to cut funding for Minnesota state parks, environmental programs over 'clean cars' rule
Photo: Silver carp, an aquatic invasive species. Senate Republicans are so concerned that Minnesotans might be able to buy a wider range of electric vehicles if the clean car standards are implemented, they're willing to defund the research that may prevent Minnesota boaters and anglers from being slapped upside the head by an invasive carp while trying to enjoy the great outdoors. Photo via the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
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