Minnesota’s Pollution Control Agency Commissioner Resigns

(KNSI) – The governor’s pick to run Minnesota’s Pollution Control Agency has resigned.

Governor Tim Walz accepted the resignation of Commissioner Laura Bishop on Tuesday after Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka told the governor that the Republican-led Senate would refuse to confirm her appointment.

According to the governor’s office, Bishop chose to submit her resignation to ensure a smooth and orderly transition in the agency.

Effective immediately, MPCA Deputy Commissioner Peter Tester will serve as Temporary Commissioner of the agency.

The Minnesota Senate removed two other commissioners during special sessions last year-Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley and Commissioner of Labor and Industry Nancy Leppink.

Bishop was appointed commissioner in January 2019.

Three other commissioners, Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen, Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho, and Iron Range Resources Commissioner Mark Phillips, also face opposition from the Republican Senate.

A vote not to confirm a commissioner means that person is fired.

Many believed after Governor Walz signed all of the budget bills into law, that was the end of the special session. The Senate said starting July 6; confirmation hearings would occur for at least four of the governor’s commissioners.

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