Media release
Environmental Quality Board names committee for urban development study

Extent: web page

Description: Names the eighteen individuals who will serve on the committee

Date: December 27, 1999

Subject(s): Regional planning

Creator(s): Minnesota Environmental Quality Board

Contributor: Mark Haveman

Publisher: Minnesota Planning (Agency)

Eighteen Minnesotans representing agriculture, environmental interests, development, local government and concerned citizens have been named to advise the state’s Environmental Quality Board on the scope and content of a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) on Urban Development.

The 1999 Legislature directed the Environmental Quality Board to examine the long-term effects of urban development on Minnesota’s economy and environment, and its residents’ way of life.

"I am pleased with the broad range of perspectives and expertise represented on the steering committee," said Gene Hugoson, Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Chair of the Environmental Quality Board.

Hugoson noted that the purpose of the GEIS is to help the State of Minnesota better understand the impact of urban development and identify policies and approaches that may reduce the conflicts and trade-offs of urban growth.

"Too often in urban development, there is a ‘rush to policy’ without fully understanding the impact of our existing policies," noted Dean Barkley, Director of Minnesota Planning. "The Urban GEIS study will allow us to base our future policies and practices on high quality information and analysis."

Name	Occupation/Experience	Residence
Thomas Delaney	Commissioner, Chisago County	Shafer
Scott Elkins	Director of Outreach, 1000 Friends of Minnesota	St. Paul
Jeff Ewing	Regional Manager, Farmland Industries, Inc.	Prior Lake
Michael Fischer	Project Manager, LHB Engineers & Architects	Edina
Daniel Hunt	Partner, HuntGregory Development	Minneapolis
Karen Linner	Policy Analyst, Center for Energy and Environment	Minneapolis
Joan Marshman	Business Manager, Bud Meyer Truck Lines; Chair, Florence Township Board	Frontenac
Thomas Owens	Real estate attorney, Owens and Associates	Minneapolis
Rick Packer	Project Manager, Arcon Development	CoonRapids
Terence Quigley	Retired business executive, Deluxe Corporation; Chair, City Planning Commission	Shoreview
Merle Schwartau	Dairy farmer; Goodhue County Planning Commissioner	Red Wing
Russell Susag	Retired executive, 3M Corporation;City Council member	Richfield
Betsy Wergin	Commissioner, Sherburne County	Princeton
Phil Wheeler	Director, Rochester-Olmsted Planning Department	Rochester
Carole Yoho	Professor and Extension Economist, University of Minnesota	Stillwater

The Environmental Quality Board, staffed by Minnesota Planning, draws together five citizens and the heads of 10 state agencies that play a vital role in Minnesota’s environment and development. The Board develops policy, creates long-range plans and reviews proposed projects that could significantly influence Minnesota’s environment.