In January 2019, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency discovered that a manufacturer in White Bear Township had been violating a permit and emitting toxic trichlorethylene (TCE) vapors into the air at unsafe levels for nearly a decade. TCE is a hazardous industrial solvent used for de-greasing. It is a known human carcinogen and developmental toxin and is banned in other countries.
The White Bear Lake manufacturer halted its use of TCE, but at least 80 other manufacturers and other entities around the state still use the solvent. In addition to the risk of toxic air emission releases, TCE that is spilled can move through soil and contaminate groundwater.
HF 2276 would ban the use of TCE in manufacturing processes in Minnesota beginning January 1, 2020 and require that any replacement chemical cannot be listed as a chemical of high concern.
The House voted to approve the bill by a 120-7 vote. The senate passed a similar bill banning TCE, however, a TCE ban was not included in the final environment omnibus bill, so subsequently no ban was ultimately passed during the 2019 legislative session.
What Would Happen?
A “Yes” vote means the use of TCE in manufacturing in Minnesota would be banned beginning January 1, 2020.
A “No” vote means manufacturers will continue to use TCE.
How The House Voted
A “Yes” vote means the use of TCE in manufacturing in Minnesota would be banned beginning January 1, 2020.
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