SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Today, the Minnesota House approved a plan to appropriate $64 million from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The legislation (HF 2032), was introduced by Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL – South St. Paul) and received broad bipartisan support.
“Minnesotans are proud of our state’s natural beauty and abundant natural resources,” said Rep. Hansen. “The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund has supported thousands of environmental projects across the state since it was established in 1988 with the overwhelming support of Minnesota voters. This legislation will build on that success and protect our environment and wildlife for future generations of Minnesotans.”
In 1988, Minnesota voters overwhelmingly chose to adopt a constitutional amendment that established the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). 40 percent of the proceeds from the Minnesota State Lottery are deposited into the fund each year. The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), a bipartisan group of legislators and citizens, provides funding recommendations to the legislature. The revenue is then allocated to projects that preserve, restore, and enhance Minnesota’s environment and natural resources. Continue reading “Minnesota House Approves Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund”