Frac Sand Legislation

Legislators in in St. Paul are expected to begin debate this session on the issue of frac sand mining in the state.

District 21 DFL State Senator Matt Schmit of Red Wing says he expects Governor Mark Dayton to have a line item on the issue in Dayton's budget proposal to be released on Tuesday.

Schmit also told Winona Radio News he expects legislation on sand mining, including a possible generic environmental impact statement and a moratorium, to be brought up in the next couple of weeks.

Republicans Greg Davids and Steve Drazkowski have both said the state should stay out of the issue and allow local communities to deal with the frac sand issues themselves.