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Committee lays over bill to exempt cadmium artist paints; MPCA and manufacturers differ on keys and writing instruments
Summary
Representative Olson presented House File 737 to exempt certain artistic uses of cadmium paint from a 2023 product restriction. Testimony from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, art suppliers and industry groups produced disagreement about scope and feasible alternatives; the committee adopted an author's amendment and laid the bill over for
Representative Olson presented House File 737 to the House Environment, Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee, seeking exemptions for certain artistic materials and other narrowly defined products from a 2023 statewide restriction on products containing lead and cadmium.
Advocates for artists and local retailers told the committee the law unintentionally eliminated commonly used professional cadmium pigments and is harming Minnesota-based businesses. "Cadmium pigment, mainly found in oil, acrylic, and some watercolor paints, is a standard color on an artist's palette," said Scott Fairs, co-owner of WetPaint Art Supply in St. Paul, explaining why true cadmium colors are distinct from less expensive "cadmium hue" alternatives.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) said it is willing to…
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