Environmental Permitting Reform: Essential for Economic Growth

The Public Policy Committee of the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce would like to invite the business community to learn more about environmental permitting reform in the state.
 

Minnesota’s environmental permitting process has long-been the topic of concern among business leaders, with several notable economic development projects that have stalled out or left the state due to reported permitting challenges. The Minnesota Chamber Foundation, the nonpartisan research arm of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, recently released a report providing recommendations to increase certainty throughout Minnesota’s permitting system and provide actionable strategies to improve transparency and timeliness without lowering standards.

This six month analysis was completed in conjunction with consulting partners Barr Engineering, the Policy Navigation Group and Squire Patton Boggs. The research examined Minnesota’s air, water, and wetland permitting process, along with an environmental review. In addition to the analysis around timeliness and certainty, the study compares Minnesota to neighboring and peer states, revealing the economic impact of delays and uncovers the challenges impacting transparency. The report also identifies clear and actionable strategies to streamline permitting for new business investments.

Join us to learn the facts and data uncovered in the report, and the Minnesota Chamber Foundation’s recommendations to shape an environmental permitting process that can both protect the state’s cherished natural resources and produce timely and reliable outcomes for businesses.