This bill aims to reinstate citizen membership on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) board, which was eliminated in 2015. The legislation emphasizes the importance of having a citizens board that represents the diverse voices of Minnesotans, including those from rural, urban, and suburban areas. The bill introduces new provisions regarding the composition and responsibilities of the agency, including requirements for membership diversity, such as representation from Tribal Nations and environmental justice communities, as well as specific qualifications for members.

Key amendments to Minnesota Statutes include the establishment of a more inclusive membership structure for the MPCA, which now mandates that at least one member be an enrolled member of a Tribal Nation and that members reflect the state's diversity in terms of race, gender, and geography. The bill also outlines the decision-making authority of the agency, requiring it to make final decisions on significant environmental matters and ensuring that the agency considers the impact of projects on communities' treaty rights. Additionally, the commissioner of the MPCA is designated as the chair of the agency, and new provisions are added to enhance transparency and public participation in the agency's operations.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 116.02, 116.03