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EQB tables resolution to defer state GEO permitting to federal framework after tribal consultation concerns
Summary
The Environmental Quality Board reviewed a resolution to recognize USDA’s coordinated framework as adequately protective for agriculturally related genetically engineered organisms but tabled the measure after tribal representatives said they had not been consulted and board members requested more outreach and clarification.
At its October meeting, the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) considered a resolution that would recognize the federal coordinated framework for biotechnology as adequately protective for agriculturally related genetically engineered organisms (ag‑related GEOs) and would therefore allow Minnesota to rely on federal permits with state review rather than a separate statewide permit process.
Proponents framed the proposal as a housekeeping change tied to statutory amendments enacted by the Legislature in 2023. Mark Abramson, plant protection director at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), told the board MDA and EQB historically collaborated with USDA’s Biotech Regulatory Services and that the federal process has long included…
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