Last week, the Minnesota Senate passed an environment policy bill authored by Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria). The bill includes several policy items and funding proposals heard in the Environment Committees this session.

Senator Carrie Ruud (R-Breezy Point) is a strong advocate for project funding for the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The LCCMR makes annual recommendations to the legislature for special environment and natural resource projects and utilizes funds primarily from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). Senator Ruud worked hard to ensure the Environment Bill included the language to secure the requested $62 million for LCCMR project recommendations. The bill was passed in the Senate, but an agreement could not be reached with the Governor.

“The LCCMR does great work to protect and preserve our state’s precious environment and natural resources,” said Senator Carrie Ruud (R-Breezy Point). “I am disappointed that we could not get this funding passed this year, but I remain committed to advocating for the LCCMR’s projects to conserve the resources we often take for granted while providing jobs and opportunities for countless Minnesotans.”

For a full list of projects, click here: https://www.lccmr.leg.mn/projects/2020/2020-02-13-tentatively_recommended_2020_proposals_without_summary.pdf

The policy bill also included language from SF1667, a Salt Applicator Program Establishment bill, authored by Senator Ruud which establishes a smart salting training program to reduce the overuse of salt deicer. This bill incentivizes commercial applicators to receive training to encourage the responsible use of deicer and minimize the serious damage that overuse can inflict on our infrastructure and environment.

“We know chloride deicer is the best way to keep our roads and sidewalks safe,” said Senator Ruud. “When used sparingly, it can be effective without damage. Too much chloride though is devastatingly toxic to our watersheds, lakes, and drinking water. We have to ‘Stop Over Salting (SOS)’. One teaspoon of salt permanently pollutes five gallons of water. That is why this training is so important. We can protect our water and keep people safe at the same time. Education is a great start, and I will keep advocating to keep our lakes, wetlands, wildlife, and water clean!”