Nearly 60 alumni from Leadership Minnesota toured the Prairie Island nuclear power plant in Red Wing. The program, exclusive to the Minnesota Chamber, provides an inside look at the state's changing economy and the issues that will shape its future. Andrea Walsh (from left), chair-elect of the Minnesota Chamber Board, President David Olson and Board Chair Dave McMillan attended the Governors’ Summit in Washington, D.C., hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The event coincided with the release of the report, “Enterprising States,” which highlights successful state strategies for job creation and economic growth. Businesses leaders provide feedback on Minnesota Chamber legislative initiatives during a regional policy session in Bloomington. Gubernatorial candidates addressed priorities of the statewide business community at an August 17 debate at Grand View Lodge, Nisswa: (from left), Republican Tom Emmer, DFLer Mark Dayton, Independence Party candidate Tom Horner. Andrea Walsh (from left), chair-elect of the Minnesota Chamber Board, President David Olson and Board Chair Dave McMillan attend the Governors’ Summit in Washington, D.C., hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The winning foursome from the 2010 golf tournament held in Duluth at Northland Country Club. From left to right: Rebecca Klett, Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P., Tom Reinhart, Kwik Trip, Inc., Steve Lasky, Dairy Queen and Nate Mussell, Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P. Andrea Walsh (from left), chair-elect of the Minnesota Chamber Board, President David Olson and Board Chair Dave McMillan attended the Governors’ Summit in Washington, D.C., hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The event coincided with the release of the report, “Enterprising States,” which highlights successful state strategies for job creation and economic growth. Businesses leaders provide feedback on Minnesota Chamber legislative initiatives during a regional policy session in Bloomington. Gubernatorial candidates addressed priorities of the statewide business community at an August 17 debate at Grand View Lodge, Nisswa: (from left), Republican Tom Emmer, DFLer Mark Dayton, Independence Party candidate Tom Horner. Andrea Walsh (from left), chair-elect of the Minnesota Chamber Board, President David Olson and Board Chair Dave McMillan attend the Governors’ Summit in Washington, D.C., hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The winning foursome from the 2010 golf tournament held in Duluth at Northland Country Club. From left to right: Rebecca Klett, Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P., Tom Reinhart, Kwik Trip, Inc., Steve Lasky, Dairy Queen and Nate Mussell, Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P. Nearly 60 alumni from Leadership Minnesota toured the Prairie Island nuclear power plant in Red Wing. The program, exclusive to the Minnesota Chamber, provides an inside look at the state's changing economy and the issues that will shape its future.

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Waste Management

Issue

What is the appropriate waste management policy for Minnesota?

Policy

The Minnesota Chamber supports integrated waste management that protects the environment and relies on private-sector competition to provide cost-effective waste management options.

  • The law should state a desired outcome rather than specific management techniques.  The desired outcome should be to protect the environment and conserve resources.  Economics must be a consideration in selecting waste management options. The Chamber opposes any change in law that makes the hierarchy of waste management techniques prescriptive rather than guidance.
  • The law should seek to maximize the three Rs – reduce, reuse, recycle – to the highest level that is economically practicable and sustainable.  The meaning of “to maximize” must be analyzed and debated by government, citizens and the private sector.  The law should encourage new technologies and promote a system that relies on the private sector and market competition.  The private sector has invested significant capital in equipment, technology and process innovation.
  • Education, voluntary action and competitive markets are the keys to maximizing the three Rs.  The Chamber opposes container deposit legislation, state-mandated advanced disposal fees and special taxes.  Regulatory approaches are costly and create resistance.  Educating waste generators on the benefits of maximizing the three Rs will lead to committed action that is sustainable in the long term – i.e. Minnesota Waste Wise.
  • The role of state government must be re-evaluated to reduce and minimize comprehensive planning and other requirements that do not focus on maximizing the three Rs.  An outcome-based approach that emphasizes flexibility reduces the need for the government to plan and manage all aspects of the waste system.
  • The law should be streamlined so resources may be focused on maximizing the three Rs.  Requirements and activities of state and local governments that do not directly support maximizing the three Rs should be reduced or eliminated.

Business Impact

More government control of the solid waste system will result in increased state spending and higher taxes on businesses and consumers.  Prescriptive regulatory options such as state-mandated advanced disposal fees, container deposit, product take-back and reduction mandates will increase costs for Minnesota manufacturers and retailers that will be passed on to customers.  Government controls, taxes and regulatory approaches will make Minnesota businesses less competitive in the global marketplace.  A waste management policy that relies on private-sector competition provides the most cost-effective opportunities for businesses and consumers to maximize resource conservation.

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