mn chemical regulation and policy, work group meeting 10/5/11
TRANSCRIPT
Minnesota Chemical Regulation and Policy Project
Work Group MeetingOctober 5, 2011
Public Meeting Oct. 12
AGENDA
5:00 Welcome and Introductions
Project Background and Overview Draft Proposals
5:30 Roundtable Discussions/Input Sessions
Policy and Risk Management
Science and Risk Assessment
Green Chemistry
6:30 Reconvene and Report Back
7:00 Close
Environmental Initiative Intro (who we are)
Project Background Purpose Funders Phase I Outcomes (Opportunities) Phase II Charge
Project Structure
Intro to Draft Proposals Policy Science Green Chemistry
Oct. 12 Presentation Outline
Recommendation: Create a Minnesota Green Chemistry Innovation Council by Governor’s Executive Order
Need: Increase economic development through the promotion of new Green
Chemistry businesses in Minnesota; Improve the sustainability and access to markets of existing Minnesota
businesses through Green Chemistry process improvements and product development.
Function: Develop and recommend strategies to: Identify sources of funding and incentives; Promote collaboration and synergies between entities; Identify ways to align existing initiatives and interests; Raise public awareness of Minnesota Green Chemistry businesses and
products.
Structure: Cross-sector membership TBD to demonstrate public and private-sector leadership and engagement
Green Chemistry Proposal
Recommendation: Implement a project to test alternative risk assessment methodologies to improve risk assessment in MN
Need: Identify and analyze new or underutilized risk assessment approaches enable better risk management decision-making. Guiding principles and priorities for adopting new approaches include:
increased precision and accuracy;
decreased uncertainty;
utilizing chemical mode of action information;
accounting for cumulative risk;
cost effectiveness and efficiency; and
high level of confidence in the data and risk assessment conclusions by all stakeholders.
Function: 2 Phases Phase 1 – inventory existing methods, data requirements, and relevant policy implications
Phase 2 – test and analyze alternative methods (vs. standard approaches) against the guiding principles
Structure: Assessment and analysis performed by a UMN graduate student with oversight and advisement from a cross-sector project advisory committee
Science and Risk Assessment Proposal
Recommendation: Create a Chemical Science Advisory Panel (CSAP) for the State of Minnesota
Need: provide a forum for scientific discussion and debate outside the policy realm
Structure: 6 members from the scientific community appointed to serve on the panel with the ability to call in other experts as needed on an ad hoc basis
Function: the CSAP will serve as an independent advisory body and will respond to specific requests (charges) from either the legislative or executive branch
Policy and Risk Management Proposal
Executive Branch
Legislative Branch
MPCA/MDHCommissioner
CSAP
Committee Chair or Legislator
LAC viaLegislative Auditor
Pathway for inputs and outputs of the Chemical Science Advisory Panel (CSAP)
Criteria
Relevant to MN environment or populationDisputed issue of science where independent review is helpful
Criteria
Criteria
Charge
Charge
Proposal• Work plan• Budget• Timeframe• Ad hoc
members• Screen for
relevance/importance
Full Report• 2/3 majority
60 days
Project Roadmap & Milestones October 12 – Public Input Meeting #1
5:00 – 7:00 pm; Wellstone Center, St. Paul
October 26 – Work Group Meeting
1) Review public input
2) Revise and refine recommendations
3) Further discussion of outreach and implementation plan
November 16 – Work Group Meeting
1) Revise and refine recommendations
2) Review draft Final Report outline
3) Prepare for Public Input Meeting (TBD)
Date TBD Stakeholder Input Meeting #2
December 7 – Work Group Meeting
1) Finalize and approve recommendations January 2012 – Final Report complete
Meeting Schedule & Locations
October 12 Public Input Mtg – Wellstone Ctr
October 26 Work Group Mtg – UROC
November 16 Work Group Mtg – SPSC Date TBD: Stakeholder Input Group Meeting #2
December 7 Work Group Mtg – UROC
http://www.environmental-initiative.org
Collaborative approach
MN unique/appropriate
Resource efficient/promote economic development
Sound science
Information, education, communications
Major Themes from Phase I Opportunities