2014 Legislative Update

This year, FMR and our partners in the Minnesota Environmental Partnership are working to pass legislation on three priority issues:

• Phasing-out the triclosan-contamination to Minnesotas surface waters
• Investing in innovative, sustainable crop development through the University of Minnesotas Forever Green Initiative
• Re-establishing the Legislative Water Commission

Here is an update:

Triclosan Phase Out

A bill introduced by Representative Diane Loeffler (DFL – 60A) would phase-out the sale of triclosan-based soaps and body cleaning products effective January 1, 2016. This bill (HF 2772) has received bi-partisan support at the capitol, and is supported by the Minnesota Medical Association, the University of Minnesota Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, and many in the environmental and public health communities.

However, due to opposition in the House Environmental and Natural Resources Policy committee by chair Rep. David Dill (DFL - 3A), the bill stalled. Another bill, authored by Rep Joe Atkins (DFL – 52B), did advance to the floor. That bill would define rules for labeling products as triclosan free.

Legislators are currently exploring the possibility of bringing up triclosan phase-out language on the house floor, where it can be voted on directly by all legislators. We expect action on a floor amendment to phase-out the sale of triclosan in soaps and body wash products to take place in the near future.

You can help us secure passage of this bill by participating in FMRs triclosan phase-out petition.

Some recent media coverage of triclosan can be found here:

• Star Tribune: Counterpoint: Triclosan Hucksters Cant be Trusted
• Kare11 coverage with Representative Dianne Loeffler
• MPR: Minnesota could become first state to ban antibacterial chemical triclosan

Legislative Water Commission (HF 1769 & SF 243)

Rep. Fischer (HF 1769) and Senator Wiger (SF 234) have introduced bills to re-establish Minnesotas Legislative Water Commission. The commission is a bi-partisan 12-member panel charged with vetting clean water policy and administrative initiatives.

Language to create and fund the Legislative Water Commission is currently included in the Senate Finance bill. As of this writing, the Commission is awaiting funding in the House. Re-establishing this commission, especially at a time when water issues have become both more prominent and more complex in our state, is a strong step forward for Minnesota. We are hopeful that the language establishing and funding the Legislative Water Commission will pass this session.

Forever Green (HF 2619 & 2304)

The Forever Green Initiative aims to fund accelerated development of economically viable cover crops and perennial crop options for Minnesota farm operators that enhance farm prosperity, water quality, climate, and habitat in Minnesota.

While the House finance bill does not allocate funds to this project, the MN Senate does include $1,150,000. We are pleased at the Senates efforts to fund this proposal, and hope to work with the House to ensure that the final conference report includes funding for this important initiative.

Agricultural runoff remains the largest source of pollution to Minnesotas surface waters. Minnesotas cropland is dominated by corn and soybean production, which can be prone to nutrient loss and erosion while providing little habitat or climate benefit. The state needs additional funding to develop cover crops and perennial crops that protect soil health and water quality while maximizing economic return for producers.

FMR will work closely with water quality stakeholders and legislators to protect and enhance Minnesotas water resources throughout the 2014 legislative session.

For more information on FMRs water quality priorities, contact FMRs Water Program Director Trevor Russell at (651) 222-2193 x18 or trussell@fmr.org.