proudly serving District 28 - Goodhue, Wabasha, Winona
Legislative Assistant
Howe Testifies before EQB about Silica Sand Mining
Senator Howe testified today before the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) about his request to the Governor and to their board to order a Generic Environmental Impact Statements (GEIS) to study the many impacts of Silica Sand mining in Minnesota. Howe stated,
“Silica sand mining has been a great concern to the citizens who live and work near the proposed mining sites in Minnesota. As a State Senator, I understand you are the responsible governmental unit for managing and directing a GEIS.
It has become apparent to me as I have delved deep into these concerns, that simply not enough information is known to make the important decisions which affect the health and safety of the citizens of my district. With several communities’ moratoriums on silica sand mining about to expire, it is imperative that they get solid factual information about the issues
According to Wisconsin’s DNR 2011 report on silica sand, it states, 'In summary, more research is needed in Wisconsin in order to ascertain the range of ambient air exposures likely to occur, both near sources of silica emissions as well as from background levels of exposure.'
It is critical that the EQB order the GEIS study. At the same time, I will work with the Legislature and Administration to authorize and fund the GEIS. Working together, we can provide the information that is vital to protect the health and safety of the citizens, identify best practices and develop a sound process moving forward.”
You can read more about silica sand mining in the following MidWest Energy News article:
Red Wing senator seeks state funding for silica mining study
The first-term senator sent a letter Monday to Gov. Mark Dayton asking that the state conduct a Generic Environmental Impact Statement to help local counties identify and address health and safety concerns related to silica mining. Howe, who represents three of the five counties in the state that have adopted moratoriums on silica mining, has asked that the state provide up to $1 million to the Environmental Quality Board to conduct the GEIS.
"I believe the state should give the counties and townships and municipalities some guidance on dealing with this mining and transportation of silica sand," Howe said Monday evening, noting St. Charles is also his district.
Read the full article at: http://www.postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1502117
Read the letter I sent to Governor Dayton requesting a Generic Environmental Impact Study (GEIS) for the mining of Silica Sand.
at: https://www.senate.mn/members/newsletter/1177_Howe_John/GEIS%20request%20for%20Silica%20Sand.pdf
Governor Dayton and I surveyed the flood damage on June 28th. See the front page of the Red Wing Republican Eagle:
League Of Minnesota Cities Honors 23 Minnesota Lawmakers as 2012 Legislators of Distinction
The honor recognizes legislators for specific city-friendly actions during the 2012 legislative session.
The League has selected 12 members of the Minnesota House of Representatives, and 11 state senators as Legislators of Distinction for 2012. The honor recognizes legislators for specific actions that aided efforts of Minnesota cities during the 2012 legislative session.
Legislators of Distinction are annually approved by the League’s Board of Directors to recognize that in order to successfully serve commonly shared constituents, state and city officials must work together to meet the unique needs of rural, suburban, and urban residents all across Minnesota.
Minnesota Senate
An (*) asterisk notes legislators who are also former elected city officials.
- Sen. Terri Bonoff, DFL-Minnetonka
- Sen. John Carlson, R-Bemidji
- Sen. Gary Dahms, R-Redwood Falls
- Sen. Kari Dziedzic, DFL-Minneapolis
- Sen. Linda Higgins, DFL-Minneapolis
- Sen. John Howe, R-Red Wing*
- Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria
- Sen. Carla Nelson, R-Rochester
- Sen. John C. Pederson, R-St. Cloud*
- Sen. Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont
- Sen. David H. Senjem, R-Rochester*
Read the letter from the League of Minnesota Cities about the award: https://www.senate.mn/members/newsletter/1177_Howe_John/2012%20Legislator%20of%20Distinction%20LMC.pdf