LCCMR reviews 2025 session outcomes and DNR explains fiscal oversight for trust fund grants

The Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources on July 18 reviewed legislation enacted during the 2025 session affecting the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) and heard a detailed presentation from the Department of Natural Resources on fiscal oversight of pass-through grants.

Director Becca Nash told the commission the session produced several items members should note, including E and RTF funding for the new community grants program (authorized by the 2024 ballot measure additional draw from the fund). She said the program will be administered by the DNR and is separate from the LCCMR recommendation process. Nash also summarized bills introduced during the session that would have used ENRTF funds for projects not recommended by LCCMR and a bill that would have changed LCCMR policy; none of those bills passed. She also summarized recently passed laws that increase reporting and training requirements tied to…