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Dear neighbors,
As we approach the end of 2019, I want to wish each of you happy holidays! I hope the holiday season has been treating you well and that you’re able to enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
I’d also like to wish you safe holiday travels. If you’re traveling this year, please be sure to take a look at MNDOT’s interactive travel maps before you head out and take extra care on the roads.
Water Gremlin Update
In late October, state officials discovered that unsafe working conditions at the Water Gremlin facility caused lead poisoning in workers’ children. After further investigation and lead testing, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) determined that at least 24 kids were exposed to “take-home lead” that can cause brain damage and neurological problems. Water Gremlin has been ordered to clean up toxic lead dust at the plant, decontaminate workers’ homes and vehicles, and implement safety measures. More information about the court-ordered process is available here.
Shortly after the lead exposure was discovered, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) found that Water Gremlin wasn’t complying with hazardous waste regulations. The agency ordered Water Gremlin to immediately clean up leaks of hazardous waste and file for required permits within a month. You can find more details here in the MPCA’s administrative order.
Last week, the MPCA, MDH, and DLI held an open house in Vadnais Heights. Staff members shared information about the latest problems at the Water Gremlin facility, the company’s response, and what they’re doing to ensure the safety of workers, workers’ families, and other community members. They also shared the results of air, soil, and water monitoring near the plant. If you weren’t able to attend, the presentation is available here. Please don’t hesitate to contact the MPCA at 651-757-2998 or water.gremlin.mpca@state.mn.us or the MDH at 651-201-4897 or health.hazard@state.mn.us if you have questions or concerns.
Curbing Youth Tobacco Use
In Minnesota, we will not stand by as the tobacco industry targets our kids. Juul and other tobacco companies have used predatory ad campaigns, child-friendly flavors, and misinformation to market their products to kids and young adults. Deceptive ads that portrayed vaping as a cleaner and safer alternative to smoking cigarettes helped fuel a surge in e-cigarette use. As a result, in 2017 we saw tobacco use among young Minnesotans rise for the first time in 17 years. Since then, the problem has gotten worse.
My House DFL colleagues recently introduced a new, comprehensive plan to address this issue. Our plan protects children and teens by raising the tobacco sales age to 21 and establishing a new Office of Youth Prevention and Protection to run a statewide educational campaign about the health risks associated with e-cigarettes. It also bans flavored products that are designed to appeal to children and online sales that companies exploit to sell tobacco products to underage Minnesotans.
I’ve heard concerns about youth tobacco use from many people, including students. This fall, I joined a group of local students to support increasing the tobacco sales age in Maplewood. I’ll continue advocating for Tobacco 21 in our community and at the Legislature!
I’m pleased that Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison are taking action as well. They recently announced that the State of Minnesota is suing Juul – the largest manufacturer of e-cigarettes – for using deceptive marketing practices, targeting young people, and creating a public health crisis. If the lawsuit is successful, Juul could be ordered to stop marketing to minors and to fund educational campaigns and programs that help young people stop vaping. You can read more about the lawsuit here.
Cold Weather Resources
Resources are available for Minnesotans who struggle to afford their heating bills. The Cold Weather Rule, which is now in effect, protects people from having their heat shut off during the winter months. Additional help is available for homeowners and renters with certain income levels. The Energy Assistance Program can help Minnesotans pay for heating costs and furnace repairs, and the Weatherization Assistance Program provides free home upgrades that help save energy and permanently reduce energy bills. Please share this information with family, friends, and neighbors, and remember to watch out for one another this winter.
Best wishes for a safe and joyful holiday and a happy new year!
Sincerely,
Peter Fischer
State Representative
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