[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6607262,"mediaKeyId","2953481-08ed1589565d7837a8cfc67efbedbbbe","parentId",2953481,"title","Senate environment committee advances omnibus environment bill after hours of amendment votes","audioSeconds",7952,"startMs",2497000,"endMs",10449000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2953481-08ed1589565d7837a8cfc67efbedbbbe&start=2497&end=10449","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2953481-08ed1589565d7837a8cfc67efbedbbbe/thumbnail_2497000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6607262/Minnesota/Senate-environment-committee-advances-omnibus-environment-bill-after-hours-of-amendment-votes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607262-15c941069d48c7a41bd1243df312d15a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773597346&Signature=km03hcazc9s7H4ah1tdrHsuQSpD3iypY0E7Pll3sc2bXYrO84v1mNCzbnjTIESp8f7PAhsN4eQ0mUYLDQnwuk-37mmosJQ9ky-xWQD-TMjA1sDzutnlVOb3KkCqrJWx-mrV~iE8X8ud3CyuXn3-M8gXvtT1AQZylaE6LAGR0rlUWSrN0Im2tS-Ry6oz7a7r-pTa0cI0JNEBDv9IG27nq9OOa9R26BpO3UNhY3Kl2SnpFHR8ojEJbGhcGrQjePWANMP2NIVwZ60T4D2NBlI4US72XE1z25LG8JowodCPfWC1R6VdGmn~EPHxgkYZXce6Kf3dqfhYrT8W7Zk18c9-wGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Minnesota Legislature","date","2025-04-10T22:56:04.95Z","article","The Minnesota Senate Environment and Climate Legacy Committee on April 10 advanced Senate File 2077, its omnibus environment, legacy and climate funding and policy bill, sending the measure to the Finance Committee after adopting a series of technical and policy amendments.

Committee members debated and voted on scores of amendments that revised funding direction, exemptions and program authority across multiple state agencies. The bill as amended passed the committee by voice vote with nonpartisan staff authorized to make technical edits before the Finance Committee review.

Among the amendments adopted were technical corrections to forecast transfer language and appropriations (A19), a change to make a community grant a biennial appropriation (A13), adjustments for a recurring $100,000 transfer to the landfill contingency account (A37), and several DNR-related amendments including land-sale authority for Itasca County (A6). The committee also approved targeted program changes such as a Game and Fish Fund appropriation for a muskie study (A35), an e‑waste exemption for certain medical products and batteries (A17), and changes to PFAS-related product rules and certain product exemptions (A12). The committee rejected several amendments, including one to restore a widespread county shotgun-zone authority (A11) and other proposals to permanently freeze future regulatory changes for landfills (A27).

Why it matters: SF2077 sets spending priorities and policy direction for conservation, water and natural resource programs and contains a number of provisions that interest northern and Greater Minnesota lawmakers — from wild rice protections and watercraft language to tax-forfeited land sales and landfill permitting rules. The committee debate highlighted tensions between environmental protections and rural economic and land‑management concerns.

Votes at a glance (committee-level outcomes)
- A19 (technical forecast and appropriation corrections): adopted (voice vote).
- A13 (make community grant biennial): adopted (voice vote).
- A37 (complete transfer language for $100,000/year to landfill contingency): adopted (voice vote).
- A6 (authorize Itasca County sale of specific tax‑forfeited lands): adopted (voice vote).
- A35 (one-time appropriation from Game and Fish Fund for muskie study on Leech Lake): adopted (voice vote); counsel said the amendment used Game and Fish Fund resources and would not affect other targets.
- A17 (e‑waste: exempt certain medical devices and batteries): adopted after testimony from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA); committee adopted by voice vote.
- A12 (PFAS-related adjustments including treatment of youth ATVs and artist-material exemptions): adopted (voice vote); MPCA indicated willingness to continue work on details.
- A11 (restore broad county shotgun‑zone authority as in SF107): failed (voice vote; amendment did not prevail).
- A7 (wild rice recognition and watercraft limits): after extended debate the committee adopted an amended version of A7; an earlier vote on the unamended A7 resulted in a 5–5 tie and did not prevail before the measure was reconsidered and amended.
- A23 (modify abandoned-boat penalties): failed (voice vote).
- A27 (prevent further landfill regulatory changes / grandfathering operations): failed (MPCA opposed; voiced environmental and groundwater concerns).
- A30 (public waters inventory language reverting 2024 change): failed on recorded vote in committee; DNR opposed.

Formal committee disposition: The committee voted to recommend SF2077 be passed as amended and referred to the Senate Finance Committee. Nonpartisan staff were authorized to make technical changes prior to referral.

Background/context: Members repeatedly described the omnibus as a work in progress with many late amendments coming from counties and agencies. DNR and MPCA staff provided repeated technical and policy testimony during the amendment process. Several items (public‑waters inventory language, landfill authority and PILT/tax‑forfeit discussions) prompted extended exchanges about local control, agency responsibilities and costs to counties.

What’s next: SF2077 goes to the Senate Finance Committee with the committee recommendation to pass as amended. Several items debated in committee — notably the wild rice policy language and landfill and public waters inventory sections — will likely receive further floor-level debate and possible technical cleanup before final passage or conference committee work.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 04/10/25","oneSentenceSummary","The Minnesota Senate Environment and Climate Legacy Committee on April 10 advanced Senate File 2077, its omnibus environment, legacy and climate funding and policy bill, sending the measure to the Finance Committee after adopting a series of technical and policy amendments.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota","taxId",77817,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6607243,"Committee rejects broad landfill grandfathering, hears county PILT and tax‑forfeited land sale proposals",4300,1080000,5380000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2953481-08ed1589565d7837a8cfc67efbedbbbe&start=1080&end=5380","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2953481-08ed1589565d7837a8cfc67efbedbbbe/thumbnail_1080000.jpg","/articles/6607243/Minnesota/Committee-rejects-broad-landfill-grandfathering-hears-county-PILT-and-taxforfeited-land-sale-proposals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607243-863267568f886643078f3d0fbccca056/orig.mp4?Expires=1773597346&Signature=da-qnwoj84QWKOCPkxxOLW3jduCpjRFN4CgBh5zfETyhDyJPjNFcTqfbPcL6366D6iE~NiXiaouroZTHirt0Mi-Jhuy-vUD~0IfbSEoSyWYHqVoNx3aDWpgv4Xgzk1Xio7s1S63jgpGJT9ConxGzymr6SsNxnJ3KnNq-~0lwvNUe0OEURi6K~bacZIoQ~jN6jYuP0I~IahdAal82FTxJT8ciGPz2Ym-NOLSsBBdsClOnBBzYVdYTtEF~Gdiiyc0aVhyD0bEux2uRlPAXq6n7-ROM~GHIy9tsyDJuyqlZoVr8hVrhStxakzEHTxYyLfcnX8xvppP6~adXW6IzYPAFKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee considered several items affecting land management, county revenues and solid‑waste facilities.

Landfills: Senator Greene offered A27 to allow existing landfills to continue operating under their historical regulatory conditions rather than meet newer MPCA standards. MPCA Assistant Commissioner Kirk Koudelka testified in opposition, citing groundwater and drinking‑water risks from unlined construction and demolition landfills and saying the amendment would ‘‘freeze’’ operations and prevent future regulatory improvements. Several northern senators argued that rural counties lack viable alternatives and that closing noncompliant local landfills would create a greater environmental and logistical problem. The committee rejected A27 after debate.

PILT and tax‑forfeited lands: Senator Green also proposed A22, a draft amendment that would have allowed counties to sell up to 10% of tax‑forfeited land to generate revenue as a potential cushion against reduced payments in lieu of taxes (PILT). That amendment was withdrawn for more work and staff drafting; sponsors said they would continue working with DNR and counties. During discussion, counsel and DNR staff noted existing statutory processes (Minn. Stat. § 282.0197) that give tribes a first right to certain tax‑forfeited parcels within reservation boundaries, and DNR staff cautioned about selling lands that border public water without legislative approval.

Itasca County land sale provision: The committee adopted a smaller, targeted lands amendment (A6) authorizing Itasca County to sell certain tax‑forfeited parcels; DNR staff said the provision had been reviewed by the department and presented no known concerns.

Why it matters: Counties in some Greater Minnesota and Iron Range districts said they face budget stress if PILT is reduced; options to generate new revenue are limited in tax‑poor counties. At the same time MPCA and DNR cautioned that selling public lands or removing landfill protections could have long‑term environmental costs.

What’s next: A27 failed and A22 was withdrawn for further work. A6 (Itasca County sales language) was adopted into SF2077. Sponsors said they will continue negotiations with DNR and tribal governments on any tax‑forfeited land proposals.","The committee rejected a sweeping amendment to freeze landfill rules and considered county proposals to sell tax‑forfeited lands as a PILT revenue backstop while adopting a targeted Itasca County land sale authorization.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6607248,"Committee eases some PFAS/product restrictions and adds narrow exemptions after stakeholder talks",190,6165000,6355000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2953481-08ed1589565d7837a8cfc67efbedbbbe&start=6165&end=6355","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2953481-08ed1589565d7837a8cfc67efbedbbbe/thumbnail_6165000.jpg","/articles/6607248/Minnesota/Committee-eases-some-PFASproduct-restrictions-and-adds-narrow-exemptions-after-stakeholder-talks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607248-9cc4b27b9fb2b7db1a49e2151655d5b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1773597346&Signature=fXo8yKUsHaQ8xNKp8AiSZiVXxzzlENH7zQeCPgb0U4GKV-or0LMMBU5j9XETlixLd0ff~tslt94o~4NJ9YdhNISz8z2h5meIPaxipTLpfhEAjrwwVdqa9fBJKggIoaL-EKi8ZmlklVVU3njZlJj39AhPzTcN2CDqO6SMeZkaEZYvlpAVOT3MnLOJnqpIcYX3y8drw1J9u36kCNtt3uM2HtmB0EPQFm~h7FaUchDziZ4FLjyCfTQhZIfoDgQeNscNGsSa23oly2wm7pJ0vEY8epiB8qFhPAvN~cppJtDz~MK4Bc2UTyOwo7WLoddtsnB~R7d8pEdwFyPTyb6Ydi8YnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee adopted A12 to the omnibus bill, an amendment led by Senator Hauschild that revises certain product restrictions tied to PFAS rules and related exemptions. The sponsor told the committee the changes follow months of stakeholder discussions and MPCA review.

Major elements described at the hearing:
- Youth ATVs: the amendment treats youth ATVs in the same regulatory timeline as adult ATVs (sunset set to 2032 in amendment language) so juvenile models are not singled out for earlier prohibition under PFAS product rules.
- Artist materials: the amendment creates a narrow exemption for professional artist materials that contain cadmium and similar pigments; witnesses from the arts community had urged an exemption.
- Keys and key fobs: the amendment includes language to exempt keys/key‑fob components where no practical alternative exists to avoid disrupting vehicle sales and services in Minnesota.

MPCA staff (Tom Johnson) testified the agency had discussed the amendment with the sponsor and was comfortable moving forward while continuing to work on implementation details. Committee members asked for continued interaction with industry and technical stakeholders. The amendment passed by voice vote and was incorporated into SF2077.

Why it matters: PFAS product restrictions and chemical management rules affect a broad set of industries, retailers and consumers; the amendment aims to preserve intended public‑health protections while allowing time and narrow exceptions for items without feasible alternatives.

What’s next: MPCA and the sponsor said they will continue stakeholder work and monitor availability of alternatives for key categories; the amendment will remain in SF2077 for further consideration by Finance and the full Senate.","The committee adopted an amendment (A12) that adjusts PFAS controls in the omnibus bill, treats youth ATVs like adult ATVs for compliance timelines, and creates limited exceptions for certain artist materials and key fobs after stakeholder engagement and MPCA review.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6607252,"Committee exempts medical devices and certain batteries from e‑waste program",375,1350000,1725000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2953481-08ed1589565d7837a8cfc67efbedbbbe&start=1350&end=1725","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2953481-08ed1589565d7837a8cfc67efbedbbbe/thumbnail_1350000.jpg","/articles/6607252/Minnesota/Committee-exempts-medical-devices-and-certain-batteries-from-ewaste-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607252-6cd4fd07e374fd5a18134c44d8e06458/orig.mp4?Expires=1773597346&Signature=Wflrc1hIcphlKtwiHRiUMb~BKZGkcRMyRMjQpf2PT7OF2e4mxwJkzAQAYTP7xwpx8PNYfyZqEV4njFH~YEorhHLBFvhADzRu5O-Q0dnA3Cp8qFahejKo5kTP1Qu3PdOUt8QTG9Z0j4F9WiGYYfO0g0Sm7JiXoITnqZ15urY8MvjV0POuXj0MFAZiRNTYnRSIRjisbrOZM0ve7PfUoGPSj3kGIGM9Nx4BKQwuOYtovhFMxr-zYmeYVtO5cjPEZpqHb6DIa5WsMuf8337X3nmcySbU29yp0S32TTyPNLjhCIp~2tx0p54TxjMzUVxAkpEozparhlSsZy8zoyiIpSRjNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Environment Committee on April 10 voted to adopt A17, an amendment to the omnibus bill that exempts batteries and medical products regulated by the Food and Drug Administration from the state e‑waste collection and recycling system established in earlier legislation (referenced in testimony as Senate File 1690).

Senator Hoffman introduced the amendment and Committee staff and MPCA staff described the change as removing covered medical devices and devices that contain batteries from the e‑waste program. MPCA Commissioner Kirk Koudelka confirmed that the amendment ‘‘removes an existing exemption for certain types of medical devices, and includes a wider one for all FDA products that have a battery component to it,” meaning those products and batteries would not be collected under the statewide e‑waste system.

Questions at the hearing focused on whether the exemption affects taxation or other rules. Counsel and MPCA clarified that A17 is targeted to the e‑waste recycling system and does not, in their view, change tax treatment. Committee members asked for further technical review; MPCA indicated willingness to keep working with the committee on language.

Why it matters: The exemption responds to concerns from medical‑device users, clinicians and stakeholders that certain devices and batteries (such as portable CPAP batteries, TENS units and other medically necessary battery‑powered devices) are needed for patient care and present handling considerations distinct from consumer electronics waste. Removing them from the e‑waste program prevents routine recycling requirements from interfering with medical device maintenance and patient access.

What’s next: A17 is incorporated into SF2077 as adopted by the committee. MPCA staff said they would continue to work with the sponsor and stakeholders to refine drafting and ensure clarity about which products are excluded and how the system will treat covered devices at collection points.","The committee adopted an amendment (A17) to exclude medical devices and batteries that are part of FDA‑regulated medical products from the e‑waste collection and recycling system created in prior legislation, after MPCA and counsel clarified the scope of the exemption.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":44,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":50,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6607257,"After heated debate Senate committee adopts softened wild‑rice recognition and removes some watercraft limits",5033,7530000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2953481-08ed1589565d7837a8cfc67efbedbbbe&start=2497&end=7530","/articles/6607257/Minnesota/After-heated-debate-Senate-committee-adopts-softened-wildrice-recognition-and-removes-some-watercraft-limits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607257-3e1a77a1f5ec677e8b87dd41d540a2eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1773597346&Signature=YFeYWCv3N0y9dph0pf1L4MsZeJnn6-BSDoCq5Dt7shRy~8Zr5GRkoLKqFXIpXwkGDfVzNWNgrcuU~gDXxkJGgZrIa0~zmIrde1GVI-4bsMg53vg4x3GmfWp9Ma7vx51WgQYddufswkHeG~hInxqL45NWNSRHxg4YIuUJUPocAX8M83Q38r0zIqy~GaOekWsKKaIH5ilm-4LU-TexPzdG8KHVDLYJoh0d-aS7aIbj58fEcINoScn0I7QEtsPWUFC-6EPqZZxmJy7VGcyqgS10ew8gUZJuwoXov9P4EpJ16CW-hTilqkvlNRgO043t7INF-uGNK4a3121H2Zj9pyrtDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Minnesota Senate Environment and Climate Legacy Committee on April 10 adopted an amended wild‑rice policy amendment (A7) to the omnibus bill, saying the state should “recognize the innate significance of uncultivated wild rice’s ability to exist and thrive in Minnesota.”

The provision originally included explicit limits on operating motorized watercraft through or near uncultivated wild‑rice beds (language that would have prohibited passage except when propelled by hand and created a 50‑foot slow‑no‑wake buffer). That watercraft language was deleted from the amendment before the committee adopted A7 in its amended form.

Senators and witnesses debated for more than an hour on the measure. Supporters — including the amendment’s author and tribal advocates who testified — said the text affirms the cultural, nutritional and ecological importance of manoomin (wild rice) and gives advocates another avenue to raise concerns with permitting authorities. Opponents, principally some northern Minnesota senators and members representing areas with significant watercraft use and economic ties to lakes, warned the original language could be interpreted broadly in litigation and complicate permitting and recreational access. The committee first voted on the unamended A7 and recorded a 5–5 tie that prevented adoption; after a motion to reconsider and an oral amendment to change the wording, the committee adopted the revised A7.

Agency witnesses provided technical cautions. Bob Meyer, assistant commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources, told the committee the DNR and others wanted certainty in the statutory language and warned that broad or shifting standards could create confusion for recreational users and agency enforcement. Tribal and advocacy speakers told the committee that wild rice is a sacred, culturally essential food and that statutory recognition matters.

What the amendment does and does not do
- Adopted language: states a policy recognizing the “innate significance” of uncultivated wild rice and its ability to exist and thrive in Minnesota.
- Deleted language: an earlier version’s specific operational restrictions on watercraft (propulsion and 50‑foot slow/no‑wake rules) were removed from the adopted amendment; other statutes governing watercraft still apply.

Why it matters: Wild rice plays a central ecological and cultural role in northern Minnesota and is central to treaty‑protected harvesting practices for many tribal nations. The committee’s compromise affirms significance without imposing the stricter boat‑operation prohibitions that were in the original A7 language; that tradeoff means permitting and regulatory responses may be worked out in agency rulemaking or subsequent legislation.

What’s next: The A7 language now sits in SF2077 as adopted by the committee; agency officials and advocates said they would continue discussions about technical protective measures, enforcement and how the policy interacts with existing statutes that govern watercraft and shoreland activities.","The committee adopted an amended version of a wild‑rice policy provision (A7) recognizing the significance of uncultivated wild rice and removing some proposed watercraft speed/propulsion restrictions; advocates and tribal leaders pressed for stronger language while some senators expressed concern about permitting and economic impacts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate environment committee advances omnibus environment bill after hours of amendment votes

Committee rejects broad landfill grandfathering, hears county PILT and tax‑forfeited land sale proposals

Committee eases some PFAS/product restrictions and adds narrow exemptions after stakeholder talks

Committee exempts medical devices and certain batteries from e‑waste program

After heated debate Senate committee adopts softened wild‑rice recognition and removes some watercraft limits