Watchdog Archives
Repealing Environmental Review
In a move to slowly erode Minnesota's strongly worded Environmental Policy Act, legislators passed Minnesota SF 905 in the 2003 legislative regular session, exempting certain projects from environmental assessment. Previously, an environmental assessment was required for projects such as power plants, new highways, and waste facilities. An environmental assessment could also be requested by citizens who put together a petition and obtain 25 or more signatures. However, under SF 905 some of the most environmentally devastating types of projects can not even be questioned by the public. One kind of project now exempted are new or expanded permits issued for CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) that will house fewer than 1,000 animals units. Citizens living near farms with 999 animal units will now be forced to live with the water pollution and odor that goes along with these operations. Luckily, farms looking to locate in "environmentally sensitive areas" will still be reviewed. In another twist, ATV trails are also going to be exempt from reviews partially due to the ATV compromise bill passed this session. Fortunately, new rules guiding the determination and review of ATV trails will be put into effect in 2005. Lawmakers tried, but were unable, to exempt transportation projects from environmental assessments. These exemptions are obvious attempts that favor commercial interests over the public's best interest. Minnesota's Environmental Policy Act provides a valuable review process that protects the state's environment and gives the public a voice. It should not be weakened in anyway.
For more information about SERC, or to use our services, contact our national headquarters at:
State Environmental Resource Center
106 East Doty Street, Suite 200 § Madison, Wisconsin 53703
Phone: 608-252-9800 § Fax: 608-252-9828
Email: [email protected]