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MPCA seeks staff, permitting reforms and technical pilots to address permit backlogs and remediation needs
Summary
Commissioner Katrina Kessler presented proposals to fund core operations, create a permitting SWAT team, pilot AI tools, add permit-ombudsman support and add remediation staff to clear assessment backlogs.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency told the Senate Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy on Feb. 27 that the governor's budget requests modest general-fund support and fund transfers to maintain core operations, pursue permitting reforms and tackle a growing remediation backlog.
“It's really important to me that we're providing good customer service, and we are good stewards of the public dollars,” Commissioner Katrina Kessler said, describing the agency's priorities as funding core regulatory work, improving transparency and preparing for emerging program needs.
Why it matters: The MPCA said increasing permit demand, regulatory complexity and scientific workload have created a backlog in permit review and site assessment. The agency proposes additional FTE for…
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