Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to reinstate the Citizen's Board in the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to ensure public participation and oversight in environmental decision-making. This aims to provide a platform for citizens from various regions and backgrounds to influence environmental policies and practices.

Main Provisions

• Reinstatement of the Citizen's Board: The Citizen's Board, eliminated in 2015, is proposed to be re-established. It would consist of eight members appointed by the governor, reflecting diversity in terms of race, gender, geography, and various community representations, including tribal nations, environmental justice communities, farmers, and labor union members.

• Board Roles and Responsibilities: The board would make final decisions on significant environmental issues, such as environmental assessment worksheets, impact statements, permitting, and rule amendments. It would also consider tribal consent and the impact on treaty rights in its reviews.

• Diversity and Representation Requirements: The board must include members from diverse backgrounds: one tribal nation member, three from environmental justice areas, one small-scale farmer, and one labor union member. Members should have no financial interest in related projects for two years before or during their term.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill reverses the 2015 legislative action that dissolved the Citizen's Board, revitalizing citizen oversight in pollution control.
• It introduces specific criteria for board composition to ensure that diverse perspectives influence environmental decisions.
• It mandates that the MPCA consider tribal consultations and the exercise of treaty rights as part of its decision-making process.

Relevant Terms

• Pollution Control Agency
• Citizen's Board
• Environmental assessment
• Environmental justice
• Tribal Nations
• Public participation
• Environmental impact statement