Dear Neighbors,
I recently was named to three separate commissions, each deal with water quality and preserving our natural resources. First, I was reappointed to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). This commission makes funding recommendations to the legislature for special environment and natural resource projects, primarily from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. These projects maintain and enhance Minnesota's environment and natural resources.
The second appointment was to the Legislative Water Commission. This commission reviews water policy reports and recommendations from the Environmental Quality Board, the Board of Water and Soil Resources, the Pollution Control Agency, the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture, the Metropolitan Council, and other water-related reports. Upon review of these reports, they then make recommendations to assist the legislature in formulating legislation related to water quality.
The third and final appointment was to the Clean Water Council. The Clean Water Council is a part of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and advises the Legislature and the Governor on the administration and implementation of the Clean Water Legacy Act.
Many of you know that I have spent a great deal of my time at the legislature on water and environment related issues—both of which are incredibly important to our area. I look forward to working on these important issues and am planning on working with partners from all walks of life to craft reasonable approaches that address the challenges facing water quality and our natural resources.
Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline Update
Earlier this week, the Minnesota Court of Appeals dismissed an appeal by the Minnesota Department of Commerce that was seeking to force the Minnesota Public Utilities (PUC) to reconsider their unanimous decision to grant the certificate of need for the Enbridge Line 3 replacement pipeline.
In the Order, the Court said that the Department of Commerce had filed their motion too early, thus causing the dismissal. The Court went on to say that, according to state law, Governor Walz and his administration now have until February 12th to decide whether or not they will re-file the motion for reconsideration.
For many reasons, safety being the primary one, I am a strong supporter of the Line 3 replacement. I'm asking Governor Walz and his administration to trust the experts at the PUC and allow the project to move forward. Minnesotans don’t have any more patience for politically-motivated delay tactics.
This is a desperately-needed project that will bring jobs to north-central Minnesotan, millions in property tax revenue, and improved environmental protection for our land and water.
Standing for Life
Finally, on a somber note, there has been a great deal of news in the last couple of weeks regarding abortion bills in both New York state and Virginia. Late last month, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into a law a bill that makes abortion legal, even after the unborn child is viable, so long as the doctor makes a “reasonable and good-faith judgment” that abortion will protect the pregnant woman’s health.
In Virginia, state legislator Kathy Tran introduced legislation that would, as she explained, make abortion legal even at term and in the middle of birth. Virginia Governor, Ralph Northam, made comments in support of the legislation that was dangerously close to advocating for infanticide.
The New York law and the Virginia bill coupled with the comments from the Virginia governor are completely disgraceful. I urge you to pray for our nation and for the unborn.
I was PROUD to join my fellow Republican colleagues at a press conference last week to draw a line in the sand and let the public know that abortion bills like the ones in New York and Virginia are completely out of line and have no place in Minnesota.
I was proud to join my colleagues in the Senate and House to let folks know that the New York and Virginia abortion bills are completely unacceptable and a moral disgrace.
Staying in Touch
That’s all for this week’s update. I will have more information for you as the session progresses. In the meantime, I urge you to contact me to share any thoughts, concerns, or questions you may have. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4333 or via email at rep.josh.heintzeman@house.mn.
Thanks and have a great weekend,
Josh