Senate Democrats yesterday brought forward an Energy and Environment budget bill that will impose costly and burdensome new regulations on Minnesotans and small businesses. Notably, it will also grow government and bureaucracy.

The environment section of the bill provides $1 billion for environment and natural resources, which represents a 67% spending increase above the previous budget. The bill significantly raises fees to register all watercraft, and dramatically increases government bureaucracy, including funding for 300 additional employees. Notably included is language that expands power for agency commissioners to act without legislative approval.

“Though there are a few good things in here like minnow importation, and funding for pollinators, much of the spending and fee increases in this bill make no sense,” said Senator Nathan Wesenberg (R-Little Falls). “Instead of funding a study on foxes in the metro area, we should have put more funding to environmental programs that actually follow science and make a positive difference in our state. This ended up being a one-sided bill that only supports Democrat priorities.”

Also included is an energy portion of the bill which will lead to higher costs for Minnesota consumers and make the state’s energy future more expensive yet less reliable. Minnesota taxpayer dollars are going to wealthy individuals for their electric vehicles, while at the same time, the legislation drives up costs for buildings, roads and bridges.