Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance environmental protection by regulating the use of pesticides, especially those from treated seeds, and ensuring the prevention of contamination in Minnesota's water, air, and natural resources.

Main Provisions

• Pesticide Management Plan: The bill requires the development and coordination of a comprehensive plan that mitigates the impact of pesticides and their breakdown products on groundwater and surface water. This plan should involve collaboration with local governments, public health agencies, and other stakeholders.

• Monitoring and Action: The bill mandates monitoring for pesticides, including those from treated seeds, in groundwater, surface water, and air. It requires the Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture to take preventive measures to avoid contamination.

• Labels for Treated Seeds: Seeds treated with systemic pesticides need to carry specific labels. Corn and soybean seeds treated with neonicotinoids must include cautionary statements about their impact on pollinators.

• Program for Systemic Pesticide-Treated Seeds: Establishes a program to regulate systemic pesticide-treated seeds, requiring the documentation of their use and ensuring they are only used when necessary. The program will also study the impacts and efficacy of these seeds.

• Penalties: Imposes enhanced penalties for damages caused by the misuse of pesticide-treated seeds, especially if they affect outdoor recreation lands.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Inclusion of Treated Seeds in Monitoring: The bill adds pesticides from treated seeds to current monitoring requirements for water and air quality.

• Coordination and Collaboration: Expands coordination of the pesticide management plan to include a wider range of stakeholders, promoting better environmental management practices.

• Enhanced Penalties for Damages: Introduces stiffer penalties for violations involving the improper use of pesticide-treated seeds that result in environmental harm, thus discouraging careless practices.

Relevant Terms

• Pesticide Management Plan
• Groundwater and Surface Water Contamination
• Systemic Pesticides
• Neonicotinoid
• Treated Seeds
• Pollinators
• Environmental Quality Board
• Air Quality Monitoring
• Systemic Pesticide-Treated Seed Program
• Enhanced Penalties