Minn. R. agency 141, ch. 4410, GENERALLY, pt. 4410.0300

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 18, October 28, 2024

Part 4410.0300 - AUTHORITY, SCOPE, PURPOSE, AND OBJECTIVES

Subpart 1.Authority.

Parts 4410.0200 to 4410.6500 are issued under authority granted in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116D, to implement the environmental review procedures established by the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act.

Subp. 2.Scope.

Parts 4410.0200 to 4410.6500 apply to all governmental actions. They shall apply to projects for which environmental review has not been initiated prior to September 28, 1982. For any project for which environmental review has been initiated by submission of a citizens petition, environmental assessment worksheet, environmental impact statement preparation notice, or environmental impact statement to the EQB prior to September 28, 1982, all governmental decisions that may be required for that project shall be acted upon in accord with prior rules.

Subp. 3.Purpose.

The Minnesota Environmental Policy Act recognizes that the restoration and maintenance of environmental quality is critically important to our welfare. The act also recognizes that human activity has a profound and often adverse impact on the environment.

A first step in achieving a more harmonious relationship between human activity and the environment is understanding the impact which a proposed project will have on the environment. The purpose of parts 4410.0200 to 4410.6500 is to aid in providing that understanding through the preparation and public review of environmental documents.

Environmental documents shall contain information that addresses the significant environmental issues of a proposed action. This information shall be available to governmental units and citizens early in the decision making process.

Environmental documents shall not be used to justify a decision, nor shall indications of adverse environmental effects necessarily require that a project be disapproved. Environmental documents shall be used as guides in issuing, amending, and denying permits and carrying out other responsibilities of governmental units to avoid or minimize adverse environmental effects and to restore and enhance environmental quality.

Subp. 4.Objectives.

The process created by parts 4410.0200 to 4410.6500 is designed to:

A. provide usable information to the project proposer, governmental decision makers and the public concerning the primary environmental effects of a proposed project;

B. provide the public with systematic access to decision makers, which will help to maintain public awareness of environmental concerns and encourage accountability in public and private decision making;

C. delegate authority and responsibility for environmental review to the governmental unit most closely involved in the project;

D. reduce delay and uncertainty in the environmental review process; and

E. eliminate duplication.

Minn. R. agency 141, ch. 4410, GENERALLY, pt. 4410.0300

Statutory Authority: MS s 116D.04