Dayton Creates New PCA Citizen Advisory Panel

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton is creating a new citizen advisory panel to consult with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on environmental matters.

Dayton announced the panel Tuesday in a speech to the Minnesota Environmental Partnership. It revives a semblance of a citizen input panel after the Legislature abolished a board with more-defined powers.

Dayton dismayed environmental groups by agreeing to dismantle the old board earlier this year as part of a new state budget.

The new panel was established through executive order, so it has less permanence. It will have nine members, including the pollution control agency commissioner who will serve as chair.

Dayton's order says the commission will meet regularly and advise the state agency on permitting matters.