The Iron Mining Association of Minnesota (IMA) extends its gratitude to the legislative authors and supporters of wild rice legislation that passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support this month.

The legislation will eliminate the 10mg/L wild rice standard and provide funding so that management practices to best protect wild rice can be identified.

“We appreciate the thoughtful consideration by these legislators as they reviewed the science and listened to countless stakeholders who expressed concern with the standard,” said IMA President Kelsey Johnson.  “This legislation is an important step toward a more holistic approach to enhancing wild rice growth.”

House File 3280 was authored by Rep. Dale Lueck, Rep. Dan Fabian, Rep. Josh Heintzeman, Rep. Chris Swedzinski, Rep. Sandy Layman, Rep. Rob Ecklund, Rep. Jason Metsa, Rep. Julie Sandstede, Rep. John Poston, Re. JoAnn Ward, and Rep. Jim Newberger. The bill passed 78-45 on April 23.

Senate File 2983 was authored by Sen. Justin Eichorn, Sen. David Tomassoni, Sen. Bill Ingebrigsten, Sen. Paul Utke, and Sen. Paul Gazelka and passed 38-28 today.

The IMA also thanks communities, labor unions, and businesses who voiced concerns with the wild rice standard and supported this important legislation.

“The State Legislature heard the concerns of these groups, and now we encourage Governor Mark Dayton to sign this legislation so we can move forward in the best interest of wild rice, good paying jobs, and the economic wellbeing of our communities,” Johnson said.