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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 permit writers and engineers, a temporary permit-ombudsman role to assist complex applicants, and a one-time pilot to evaluate use of machine learning and artificial intelligence in routine permit review tasks.
Key proposals and details - Core operating adjustments: Small general-fund and remediation/environmental-fund increases to cover inflationary costs for fleet, phones, salaries and other basic operations; separate air-program fees would be matched to program costs through the Environmental Fund. - Permitting reform: A package combining policy changes (a separate bill referenced by the agency), staff increases and technical investments. The agency proposes a permit SWAT team of permit writers and engineers to address backlog, a temporary permit ombudsman to liaise with complex applicants, and a one-time pilot study to explore AI-assisted review tools. - Remediation staffing: Additional FTE for the remediation division to triage and prioritize contaminated-site assessments; MPCA said assessment demand currently outpaces staff capacity and the increase would help eliminate the backlog in several years. - Cost recovery and technical corrections: Proposals to clarify authority to recover emergency-response costs from responsible parties for incidental spills not currently covered by existing statute (e.g., some saddle-tank spills) and to correct a 2023 county feedlot appropriation so one-time funds are not treated as ongoing.
Numbers and staffing: Director Tom Johnson told the committee MPCA currently has “around 900 FTE.” Kessler described some requests as funded from remediation and environmental funds rather than the general fund.
Committee exchange and context: Senators asked for an FTE tally and specifics on which programs need the most help. Kessler said many proposals are funded from non-general-fund sources. MPCA officials also flagged opportunities to use federal funds, such as $17 million in wastewater grants related to PFAS priority projects, but noted technical changes are needed to allow those funds to be prioritized for PFAS.
Next steps: The agency said it will work with the committee and other agencies on policy language and implementation details as the budget process continues.
Sources: Commissioner Katrina Kessler; Director Tom Johnson (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency), Senate Committee transcript Feb. 27, 2025.
