St. Paul, MN— The Minnesota House of Representatives passed the Omnibus Environment and Natural Resources bill Friday afternoon on a vote of 99-34.
While the final agreement between the House and Senate did not include any of the controversial policy provisions that were in the original bill that passed the House in May, the bill does not delay or stop Governor Walz’s Clean Cars emissions standards from taking effect—putting unelected California bureaucrats in charge of policy in Minnesota and driving up the cost of new cars.
“I am glad that most of the controversial and unacceptable policies that were in the original House bill are now gone,” said Rep. Josh Heintzeman, R-Nisswa, Republican Lead on the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee. “Passing this bill means that state parks can remain open and that support needed to maintain access to the great outdoors is fully funded. Nevertheless, I remain disappointed that Democrats continue to force California's emissions standards on Minnesotans.”
Another key provision in the bill is funding to provide pay raises and retroactive pay for conservation officers and supervisors.
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