Critical Area remains hot topic Advocates speak up, repeal bill sits idle...for now
FMR staff, members and volunteers have been busy talking with state legislators and encouraging them to vote against the bill seeking to repeal much-needed protections of the Mississippi River Critical Area.
The proposed repeal of rulemaking for the Mississippi River Critical Area is still a hot topic of discussion up and down the river, but no further action has been taken on the bills at the State Capitol in the past month.
After a rapid ascent through two Senate committees, a bill to repeal rulemaking for the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (SF 39) has sat idle for several weeks. Although it could be taken up for a vote on the Senate floor at any time, it is likely on hold pending action on the House version of the bill. The House version (HF 95) has been introduced, but is yet to be heard in committee.
What is at stake is the State of Minnesota's ability to protect the unique and significant resources of the Mississippi River Critical Area, a 72-mile corridor from Dayton to Hastings that is also our National Park on the Mississippi. Repeal of Minn. Statutes §116G.15 would undo the law that directs the Department of Natural Resources to update and modernize 30-year-old critical area standards through science-based state rules work that is now very close to completion. With the majority of appropriated funds for the rulemaking having been spent, quitting right before the finish line essentially amounts to throwing away half a million dollars worth of work on behalf of the river and our state.
FMR staff, members and volunteers have been busy talking with state legislators and encouraging them to vote against the repeal bill. Two-dozen FMR members and volunteers attended a meeting last month in Hastings with Rep. Denny McNamara and Sen. Katie Sieben, several raising concerns about the proposed Critical Area repeal.
Lynn Moratzka, a former Hastings City Councilmember and current FMR board member, reminded her legislators: "Hastings depends on a clean Mississippi River to support our economy and quality of life, and we need state rules to keep it clean for the future."
If you have already contacted your state legislators about voting against HF 95 and SF 39, thank you! If not, please consider sending them a quick email asking them to oppose the bills to repeal Mississippi River Critical Area law. Click here for suggested talking points and links to find out who represents you.