SAINT PAUL, Minn. – This afternoon, a Legislative Auditor report (link to report) was released evaluating the effectiveness of a publicly funded, voluntary agricultural groundwater protection program, State Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL–South St. Paul), the DFL Chair of the Agriculture Committee, said the findings underscore the need for better conservation investments that are backed by real, measurable results and focused on preventing agricultural groundwater contamination before it occurs.

Rep. Hansen issued the following statement:

"Sometimes innovation doesn't work the way it was intended, and we need to adapt or stop. While this publicly funded, voluntary program was created with good intentions, there is simply not enough evidence that it is delivering meaningful improvements in water quality.

Minnesotans deserve programs that are accountable, transparent, and effective, and we have a responsibility to ensure taxpayer dollars are producing measurable results.

Protecting clean drinking water is one of our most fundamental responsibilities. Innovation is an important part of conservation, but it must be guided by sound science and achieve real-world outcomes.

We owe it to Minnesotans who drink water to invest in effective solutions that prevent agricultural water pollution before it happens."