The Environmental Quality Board (EQB) is gathering ideas for improving the state’s environmental review program, and we’d like to know what’s important to you. This is part of a wider effort to identify and prioritize program changes in a strategic, transparent, and efficient manner. Find more information on our continuous improvement webpage.
The ideas you share here will be considered by third-party consultants. Consultants will also conduct background research which includes analyzing past evaluations of the environmental review program. Consultants will prepare a report with program recommendations to the board this summer.
What is environmental review?
Public and private projectsContinue reading
The Environmental Quality Board (EQB) is gathering ideas for improving the state’s environmental review program, and we’d like to know what’s important to you. This is part of a wider effort to identify and prioritize program changes in a strategic, transparent, and efficient manner. Find more information on our continuous improvement webpage.
The ideas you share here will be considered by third-party consultants. Consultants will also conduct background research which includes analyzing past evaluations of the environmental review program. Consultants will prepare a report with program recommendations to the board this summer.
What is environmental review?
Public and private projects in Minnesota can have impacts on our air, land, and water resources. Since 1973, Minnesota has required that certain projects go through an environmental review process before getting governmental permits or approvals. The process provides an opportunity for public comment and produces a document that identifies potential environmental effects of a proposed project, as well as ways to reduce any negative environmental effects.
Environmental review is an information-gathering process that helps decision makers protect Minnesota’s environment. The review does not approve or deny a project.
What is the Environmental Quality Board's role in environmental review?
The state of Minnesota's environmental review program provides information about the potential environmental effects of certain proposed projects. The board oversees the program, including:
- Monitoring the effectiveness of the program
- Making program improvements
- Directing staff to implement rule-related administrative tasks
What improvements are we considering?
Help us improve environmental review now and into the future. Improvements that are in scope may include updates to forms, guidance, practices, standards, rules, statutes, data gathering practices, and more. Anything related solely to permitting or programs outside of the environmental review program are outside of the scope of this effort.
How will EQB use this information?
The EQB hosts this engagement platform, but third-party consultants will transparently evaluate your feedback. The consultants will also review background documents, including past environmental review program evaluations. For instance, in 2007, a report was requested by the board to evaluate the ideas that resulted from previous reports, studies and efforts related to improvement of the environmental review program. A 2011 evaluation report drafted by the Office of the Legislative Auditor examined the environmental review process as well. Your feedback, alongside previously cited recommendations, will be analyzed together by the consultants in a final report to EQB.
