During the 2024 legislative session, a bipartisan group of legislators introduced legislation to make Minnesota more competitive from a business perspective. SF 4876, which Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) co-authored as the lead Republican, would help streamline Minnesota’s environmental permitting process.

“Minnesotans are concerned about the state’s onerous permitting process,” said Sen. Rasmusson. “This has resulted in several significant economic projects being delayed or even leaving the state. Minnesota’s current environmental permitting process needs to be simplified in order to foster new business investment.”

SF 4876 includes provisions to review and improve the approach for determining permit completeness; issue construction permits separately from operating permits; create an ombudsman to assist businesses through the permitting process; and encourage increased use of expedited permits.

This legislation has the support of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Last month, the organization issued a comprehensive study on Minnesota’s current permitting process, offering suggestions for improvements to ensure the state’s economy continues to thrive. These recommendations serve as the foundation of Rasmusson’s proposal.

“We appreciate that this policy is rooted in qualitative data,” said Doug Loon, president and CEO of Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. “We are dedicated to improving this system without lowering our high standards, ensuring that Minnesota can accelerate economic investments while protecting our natural environment.”

The Minnesota Chamber Foundation partnered with consulting firms to investigate Minnesota’s environmental permitting system. This six-month study analyzed air, water and wetland permitting, along with environmental review, and recommended strategies to simplify the permitting process for new business investments.

For more information on the Chamber’s study, please visit: www.mnchamber.com/minnesota-chamber-foundation