Minnesota Sen. Matt Schmit is to be commended for sponsoring legislation that could help Minnesota avoid the damage that Wisconsin has already suffered from the frac sand industry.
Schmit listened to constituents and developed a bill that lays the groundwork for adequate regulation. Among the most important elements of the bill are a Generic Environmental Impact Statement and a one-year moratorium on frac-sand mining. These are critical, necessary measures to ensure local decisions are based on sound research.
Counties in southeast Minnesota are struggling to avoid suffering the same fate as residents in Wisconsin. Guidance from the state is necessary to determine how to safely regulate this industry and protect our water and air quality. Counties can use this research to determine the industry's compatibility (or lack thereof) with each county's unique land-use goals.
My hope is our local state legislators will see the wisdom of giving the same weight to health and concerns as the sand industry's desire for a competitive advantage. If so, they will support a measured, well-researched course of action to address this new industry.
If oil and gas from fracking continue to be an important energy source into the future, taking a year to ensure frac-sand mining is safe, and that the costs of the activity will be borne by the industry, rather than local taxpayers, is a sensible approach.
ADVERTISEMENT
Kelley Stanage
Houston
