MINNESOTA AG/ENERGY ALLIANCE ENCOURAGED BY GOVERNOR DAYTON’S STATEMENT OF CONCERN

Calls for Independent Investigation of MPCA Staffer Emails

(ST. PAUL, MN) The Minnesota Ag/Energy Alliance applauds Governor Dayton’s strong statement of concern regarding a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) staff members’ alleged improper use of his regulatory position through state email.  This statement was in response to the article published in the Pioneer Press on January 6, 2015 “State staffer's emails on pipeline spark investigation.”

Included in the article was the fact that the MPCA will conduct an internal investigation into this employee and his actions.  The Minnesota Ag/Energy Alliance would ask that Governor Dayton and the agency involve an independent investigator, most appropriate may be the Office of the Legislative Auditor for the State of Minnesota, in this important matter.

“An independent investigation is necessary in order to protect the integrity of the overall regulatory process, including this project that the Governor supports. As a state, it is important that all projects have a fair path through the regulatory process and through the agencies that are charged with evaluating the permitting process”, Lance Klatt, Executive Director of the Minnesota Service Station and Convenience Store Association.

“Our sincere hope is that this is an isolated incident and is not widespread and that this one employee’s attitude has not metastasized in other important portions of the regulatory process”, Klatt continued.

ABOUT THE MINNESOTA AGRICULTURE & ENERGY ALLIANCE:
The Minnesota Agriculture & Energy Alliance is a partnership between citizens, government, non-profit organizations and private companies working to support Minnesota’s farmers and agri-business, rural retailers and other small businesses.  We want to improve life in our state, and so we support projects that make Minnesota better – and a better place to live and work.