Senate committee advances environment omnibus; agencies raise concerns about parks, legal costs and CWD funding

The Senate Environment, Climate and Legacy Committee adopted the A4 delete-all amendment to Senate File 2,077 on April 8, advancing the omnibus environment and natural resources bill while hearing detailed budget and policy presentations from staff and agency leaders.

A fiscal staff member working from a spreadsheet summary said the committee bill makes a range of changes across the Pollution Control Agency, Department of Natural Resources and other agencies. "The total for PCA…is about $31.7 million over forecast, but about $900,000 less than the governor," the staff member said while walking members through line items. He described a $2.68 million permitting-efficiency initiative for the PCA, a $736,000 general‑fund increase to PCA in fiscal 2026‑27, and an environmental‑fund increase in the first biennium of roughly $13.6 million tied to program shifts and new items such as a proposed e‑waste program.

The Department of Natural Resources also drew attention. "We appreciate the inclusion of many of the governor's budget recommendations," DNR Commissioner Sarah Strom said, but warned the bill omits elements the agency regards as critical. "State Park permit fee increases are necessary to keep pace with rising costs and…