INSIDERS' ISSUE BREAKFAST:
STREAMLINE ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING

The Minnesota Chamber’s efforts to streamline the environmental review and permitting process is the topic of the first “Insiders’ Issue” breakfast as business leaders have an opportunity to hear firsthand reports on the status of their legislative priorities. The event is from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. February 19 at The Saint Paul Hotel, 350 Market Street. This breakfast is sponsored by Barr Engineering.

Scheduled to address the issue:

Representative Mellissa Hortman, (DFL-Brooklyn Park), chief House author of the Minnesota Chamber’s bill
Larry Kramka, assistant commissioner, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Jeff Smith, industry division director, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Businesses of all types and sizes identify problems associated with the state’s environmental permitting system – an important element of economic development. In general, what takes months in other states can take multiple years in Minnesota. The Minnesota Chamber will ensure that the report ordered by the 2009 Legislature will result in legislation that streamlines, shortens the timeline and reduces the cost of environmental review and permitting.

Other sessions are:

March 18 – Economic development
April 16 – Spending reform
May 19 – Legislative session wrap-up

Cost is $30 for members and $50 for nonmembers. Individuals can sign up for the entire series - $100 for members and $175 for nonmembers. To register, go to www.mnchamber.com. For questions, contact Lisa Engdahl at (651) 292-4699, (800) 821-2230 or lengdahl@mnchamber.com.