A conference committee on the MN BPA bill adopted a committee report that resolved differences between the House and Senate versions of the measure.
The House version of Section 1 was adopted, which clarifies baby food and toddler food are certain products “primarily” intended to children under 3. The Senate version of Section 2 was adopted, which clarifies that a manufacturer must not “knowingly” use certain BPA replacements.
It is expected that the conference committee report will be taken up and re-passed in both bodies sometime before the May 20 adjournment.
Language increasing water usage fees in MN has been added to the Omnibus House Environment, Agriculture and Natural Resources Finance Bill (HF 976) and is to be debated on the floor of the MN Houste today.
The provision, authored by Rep. Jean Wagenius(D-Minneapolis), imposes higher water permitting fees that will increase water costs for food processors, municipal suppliers and farmers. The change could raise fees by more than 75 percent for some agricultural processors.
Amendments were considered yesterday on the Senate companion measure (SF 1607), sponsored by Sen. David Tomassoni (D-Chisholm), in the Committee on Finance. The Senate bill, however, does not increase water fees. It is expected to go in front of the full Senate on Friday.
Language increasing water usage fees in MN has been added to the Omnibus House Environment, Agriculture and Natural Resources Finance Bill (HF 976) and is set for debate today on the floor of the MN House.
The provision, authored by Rep. Jean Wagenius(D-Minneapolis), imposes higher water permitting fees that will increase water costs for food processors, municipal suppliers and farmers. The change could raise fees by more than 75 percent for some agricultural processors.
Amendments were considered yesterday on the Senate companion measure (SF 1607), sponsored by Sen. David Tomassoni (D-Chisholm), in the Committee on Finance. The Senate bill, however, does not increase water fees. It is expected to go in front of the full Senate on Friday.
The MN House Commerce Committee passed a BPA Ban bill (HF 459) similar to the one adopted by the Senate Commerce Committee last week.
Changes to the bills would restrict the measures so that they apply only to “baby food,” “infant formula,” and “toddler food” as defined, which would include products for children age 3 and under.
In the House version, the word “primarily” was inserted before the phrase “intended for consumption by children under three years of age,” in the definition “toddler food” which provides some added clarity.
The House committee, however, included new language that attempts to restrict alternatives to BPA.
It is anticipated that both houses will consider the measures in mid-April or early May.
The MN Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Finance Committee has passed a bill, with amendments, that would require preliminary approval from the Department of Natural Resources prior to proceeding with the Department of Health application/permit to drill a well.
The bill, HF 1100 sponsored by Rep. Jean Wagenius (DFL- Minneapolis) who is also the committee chair, would require the preliminary approval to be based on the comprehensive water sustainability of the aquifer and current permit holders. Additionally, the measure would modify water supply management and environmental assessment worksheets relating to groundwater impacts and address proposed large water diversions to other states.
Food processors in MN attempt to be good environmental stewards because their livelihoods are directly dependent on maintaining productive water resources. They have implemented new technologies that use water more efficiently. This includes innovations in water application, recovery and recycling.
MWFPA believes regulations and permit conditions must be based on sound science, achievable goals and must consider the long term financial impact on all interested parties. Shifts in state laws and regulations without appropriate scientific and economic analysis can impact the food processing industries ability to remain globally competitive. MWFPA will continue to monitor this legislation.