The Minnesota Senate on Thursday passed a bill to reduce certain environmental restrictions and grow Minnesota’s tourism industry.
The legislation, S.F. 4062, blocks the state Department of Natural Resources from implementing new rules without being adopted under Minnesota law.
A new Mining Dashboard would be created to streamline the environmental review and permitting process for certain mining projects.
“We are blessed as Minnesotans to live in a state with such wonderful natural resources,” State Senator Justin Eichorn (R-Deer River) said.”This legislation utilizes and protects our natural resources while also promoting our Northern Minnesota economy. We hold bureaucrats accountable for their regulations and improve regulatory transparency. This bill is a win for the environment, our economy, and our state.”
Furthermore, the measure would allow disabled individuals to use motor vehicles in wildlife management areas.
Eichorn attempted to add an amendment to allow individuals to hunt gray wolves once they are removed from the endangered species list. However, the legislative body did not approve the change.
“I hoped to get my provision to allow for a wolf hunt included in the bill. Unfortunately, the amendment failed today but I am hopeful we can eventually get this done. Commonsense wolf management in Northern Minnesota is an important issue that I will keep fighting for,” the lawmaker added.
Previously, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in Wisconsin introduced federal legislation to return the management of the species to state and local government organizations, arguing the animals have made a recovery in western Great Lakes states.
The legislation followed a ruling from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California that reversed a rule implemented by the Trump administration that removed the species from the list.
The state bill must now be approved by the House and Governor Tim Walz.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Minnesota Sun and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
