MN HF5482

Removes the Clean Water Council requirement to remove the reference to the Clean Water Council from the Pollution Control Agency commissioner's duty to seek recommendations on WRAPS and TMDL priorities.

Changes council membership from 17 voting members appointed by the governor to one member appointed from each congressional district, eliminating separate category representations for farm organizations, business, environmental groups, and others.

Modifies council duties to make recommendations to the legislature on clean water fund appropriations that are consistent with the constitution and state law, and allows the Legislative Coordinating Commission to appoint nonpartisan staff and contract with consultants.

Requires council members appointed by the governor to have expertise in science, water quality, hydrology, or related fields, and cannot be registered lobbyists or legislators; members must elect a chair, vice-chair, and other officers.

Repeals provisions requiring the council to recommend an implementation plan for clean water initiatives and provisions requiring the council to develop education strategies for citizen participation in clean water programs.