Tony Kwilas

May 18, 2013

Broadbased state regulations emerge for frac sand mining

House and Senate conferees have agreed on a set of regulations for frac sand mining in southeastern Minnesota. One conferee said the breadth of the issues that are addressed makes the legislation the first of its kind in the country.

Mar 20, 2013

New frac sand proposal starts moving in the Senate

A new proposal has been added to the heap of bills to regulate frac sand mining. The Senate Environment and Energy Committee has passed a game and fish bill that would significantly restrict mining activities in southeastern Minnesota, which is rich in the silica sand that’s a key ingredient in the hydraulic fracturing technique of oil exploration that’s being pursued in western North Dakota.

Feb 1, 2012

Majorities press for more permitting changes

Republicans in the state Legislature are advancing a new set of initiatives to overhaul environmental regulation. The measures come after they reached accord last year with Gov. Mark Dayton on a sweeping bill that streamlined the environmental permitting process.

May 13, 2011

Enviro bill may have to await larger budget deal

While environmental spending is a relatively small portion of Minnesota’s general fund budget, the environment and natural resources funding bill appears likely to remain in play for as long as this year’s budget battle lasts.

May 19, 2010

Chamber combs through 2010 session victories and defeats

The state's largest statewide business lobby is cheering the defeat of tax increase proposals in the 2010 legislative session. The group sees more work to be done in 2011 on an array of issues like K-12 education and workers' comp policy.

Nov 20, 2006

State wetlands law under review

Minnesota lawmakers are poised to pass significant state regulations on frac sand mining. After a session of intense debate on the mining of silica sand in the southeastern Minnesota region known as the Driftless Area, House and Senate negotiators have agreed on a compromise that’s aimed at preventing frac sand mining from harming the area’s ...

May 29, 2006

Minnesota chamber looking ahead to MVST referendum

Minnesota lawmakers are poised to pass significant state regulations on frac sand mining. After a session of intense debate on the mining of silica sand in the southeastern Minnesota region known as the Driftless Area, House and Senate negotiators have agreed on a compromise that’s aimed at preventing frac sand mining from harming the area’s ...

May 26, 2005

MN Chamber of Commerce members express displeasure over unfinished business

Minnesota lawmakers are poised to pass significant state regulations on frac sand mining. After a session of intense debate on the mining of silica sand in the southeastern Minnesota region known as the Driftless Area, House and Senate negotiators have agreed on a compromise that’s aimed at preventing frac sand mining from harming the area’s ...