Report Calls Minn. Permitting Slow, Duplicative

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota's legislative auditor says the state's process for environmental review of private-sector projects is too often burdened by delays, uncertainty and duplication of effort.

The report is being released Tuesday to state lawmakers. It finds inconsistencies in expertise and experience among various government units charged with managing environmental assessments and impact statements.

The report also says agencies like Minnesota Pollution Control and the Department of Natural Resources lack adequate data to measure or monitor the timeliness of their environmental review and permitting processes, and identify needed improvements.

The Minnesota House on Monday passed and sent Gov. Mark Dayton a bill aimed at speeding up the environmental review and permitting process for businesses. It would set a goal for the state to rule on permit applications within 150 days.

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