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RELEASE: Rep. Sandra Feist Introduces Fifty-Year Clean Water Plan

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Yesterday, the Minnesota House Environment and Natural Resources Committee Finance and Policy Committee held a public hearing on HF 2193, authored by Rep. Sandra Feist (DFL – New Brighton). This bill allocates $200,000 to the University of Minnesota Water Council to develop a science-based plan to ensure that Minnesota has an abundant supply of clean water for the next fifty years.

“We need to implement a fifty-year clean water plan to ensure we promote and protect clean water in Minnesota,” said Rep. Feist. “By 2025, over half of the global population will face water scarcity. Record droughts across the nation have caused other states to attempt to buy Minnesota’s clean water, and here in Minnesota, 56% of our water is considered impaired. We are funding this project to promote and preserve our clean water into the future.”

“A fifty-year clean water plan will require an interdisciplinary assessment and a deep understanding of the many physical and social facets of water in Minnesota,” said Dr. Andy Erickson, Chair of the University of Minnesota Water Council. “Water equity, justice, and policy are at the heart of a fifty-year clean water plan for Minnesota. The University’s strong and existing relationships with not only state agencies but public and private entities, indigenous tribes, metro and outstate stakeholders, and many others throughout the state of Minnesota are the foundation upon which we can build a plan that represents and benefits all Minnesotans.” 

The bill was laid over for further consideration by the committee. The Senate’s companion bill is moving through its committee processes. 

Video of the bill presentation can be viewed on the House Public Information’s YouTube Channel.

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