state leaders prepare for 2012 session

Contentious debate on Minnesota’s current environmental protection standards filled the 2011 State Legislative Session. Legislative leaders used the state’s deficit situation and “government reform” rhetoric in attempts to weaken environmental regulations, showing disappointing parallels to actions underway in Congress.

Although Clean Water Action and allies stopped some of the most extreme, destructive anti-environmental initiatives put forth in 2011, special interests and corporate polluters clearly found much support in both the State House and Senate. With help from Gov. Mark Dayton, bills to weaken water protections, lift the nuclear moratorium, and remove restrictions on new coal plants were all turned back. However, polluters were successful in exploiting loopholes to weaken environmental review laws and circumvent the permitting process. There is every reason to expect these attacks to continue in 2012.

When the state legislature convenes on January 24, Clean Water Action anticipates attacks on energy laws such as the renewable energy standard, emission standards for new coal plants and the state’s science-based goal-setting to reduce climate-changing pollution. State water quality standards, regulations on agricultural pollution and dedicated water pollution cleanup funding will all be on the chopping block.

“Clean Water Action members’ involvement will be key to defeating these extreme and irresponsible attacks on our water and our health again in 2012,” says State Director Deanna White.

Protecting Minnesota’s children from exposure to toxic chemicals remains a priority for Clean Water Action in 2012 as well. Although 2009’s Toxic Free Kids Act has allowed the state to develop a list of the worst chemicals found in children’s products, more specific information is needed on when the chemicals are used and at what levels. For example, although some crib sheets are now known to contain toxic formaldehyde, state agencies and consumers face serious challenges identifying which brands contain the chemical. Manufacturers are not yet required to disclose this information.

Clean Water Action will back legislation in 2012 to force manufacturers to disclose to state health and pollution control agencies the presence of toxic chemicals in products sold in Minnesota. This information can be used by parents and regulators to reduce children’s exposure to toxic hazards in crib mattresses, formula can linings and toys.