SAINT PAUL, Minn.— Today the House Environment and Natural Resources Finance Division approved their omnibus budget bill (HF 2209). The legislation includes $32.5 million in new funding to protect, restore, and enhance Minnesota’s environment and natural resources.
“Minnesotans cherish our public lands, clean water, and fresh air,” said the committee’s chair, Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL – South St. Paul). “They expect us to protect our environment and the fish and wildlife that inhabit it so future generations can enjoy Minnesota’s abundant resources. This is a problem-solving bill that will address long-term issues and ensure that Minnesota remains a special place to live for years to come.”
Protecting Minnesota’s natural resources was a priority for the committee this session. To that end, the bill includes measures to maintain and improve public waters, forests, and parks and trails and strengthen protections for fish and wildlife. It also reduces the use of toxic chemicals and other pollutants that contaminate air, water, and soil and cause increased health risks.
Some highlights in the environment and natural resources budget include:
- A ban on toxic flame retardant chemicals that increase health risks for children and firefighters
- Researching chronic wasting disease and responding to the outbreak
- Funding to help communities address emerald ash borer issues
- Support for research and control of aquatic invasive species
- Maintaining and improving parks and trails across the state
- Pollution control measures to protect the environment and public health
- Stronger protections for fish and wildlife, including bans on ivory and the commercial harvest of wild turtles
- Funding for forest management and planting trees to reduce carbon emissions and improve the health of forests
- Grants through No Child Left Inside to fund outdoor environmental and ecological programs for youth
- Improvements for waste management, particularly for tires, carpet, and other materials
- Increasing protections for pollinators
A spreadsheet of the bill’s contents is available here.