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reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors of the state, and to attempt to work with other states to develop a regional approach to reduce emissions. The stakeholder group is underway, and is being led by the Center for Climate Strate- gies. A report is due to the Legisla- ture by February 1, 2008. Clean Water Legacy Act The Legislature approved a total of $53.7 million for the cleanup of lakes, rivers and streams under the Clean Water Legacy Act, as fol- lows: $31 million to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, $4.5 mil- lion to the Department of Natural Resources, and $14.2 million to the Board of Water and Soil Resources. Green Fleets Funds were approved ($2.4 million) to retrofit school buses and trucks with pollution control devices to help reduce diesel emissions. Environmental Health Tracking /Biomonitoring The Legislature approved funds to set up an environmental health tracking program, and authorized a biomonitoring pilot program to begin monitoring the health of volunteers who have been exposed to chemicals, including perfluori- nated chemicals (PFCs), arsenic and mercury. Endocrine Disruptor Study Funds are provided for a study of endocrine disruptors in surface waters, and the Minnesota Pollu- tion Control Agency is directed to prepare a report to the Legislature on strategies to address endocrine disruptors in the waters of the state. The report will include a review of current studies, comparative risk, and an evaluation of prevention and remediation strategies. PDBE New restrictions are imposed on products containing the flame retardant called polybrominated diphenyl ether (PDBE), and the state is required to review uses of the substance, and any potential risk to public health and the envi- ronment. Failing Septic Systems Funds ($1 million) are provided to the Board of Water and Soil Re- sources for grants to help counties address failing individual sewage treatment systems. Wetland Conservation Act New protections for wetlands were authorized in the metro area. The size of the wetlands exemption for smaller wetlands was cut in half for wetlands located in the elev- vin- county metro area (7- county metro area, plus Chisago, Isanti, Sherburne and Wright counties). Mercury Reduction Mercury is a potent neurotoxin. Several mercury - containing prod- ucts are now prohibited for sale in Minnesota, including: sphyg- momanometers, gastrointestinal devices, thermostats, switches and relays, diostats, barometers, manometers, and pyrometers, over - the - counter pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, toiletries, and fragranc- es. In addition, the use of mercury in schools is outlawed. At a Glance • Minnesota has approximately 51 million total land acres. • 5.5 million acres of land owned by the State of Minnesota, including 4.2 million acres predominantly in state forest management. • 12 million acres of land managed for mineral rights. • Eight million acres of surface rights and mineral rights managed for horticultural peat, industrial minerals, and construction materials. • 58 state forests • 11,842 lakes • 69,000 miles of rivers and streams • 66 state parks and six state recreation areas • 1,585 state water accesses • More than 1.2 million acres of wildlife management areas and 37,294 acres of aquatic management areas • 140 scientific and natural areas • Over 3,400 miles of canoe and boating routes plus 150 miles of Lake Superior Kayak Trail • 1,300 miles of multi -use state trails and 500 miles of state bicycle trails • 1,600 miles of cross country ski trails (DNR and Grant -in- Aid) • 1,700 miles of off - highway vehicle trails (DNR and Grant -in -Aid) • 21,600 miles of snowmobile trails (DNR and Grant -in -Aid) State Senator Sandy Rummel 323 State Capitol, St. Paul, MN 55155 - (651) 296 -1253 - sen.sandy.rummel @senate.mn