Moratorium on green burials in certain locations established, and study required.
Impact
Moreover, the bill mandates a comprehensive study by the state's Commissioner of Health regarding the environmental and health impacts of green burials. This includes assessing potential risks such as groundwater contamination and the health of workers and mourners involved in the burial process. Areas of focus for the study will include determining safe siting for burial locations, appropriate burial depths, interment density, and protocols for preventing the spread of infectious diseases. The findings and any recommendations for legislative modifications must be reported to relevant legislative committees by February 1, 2025.
Summary
House File 2605 (HF2605) establishes a moratorium on green burials in certain locations within the state of Minnesota, which is set to last from July 1, 2023, to July 1, 2025. Green burials involve practices designed to minimize environmental impact and promote natural decomposition of the body, including using biodegradable materials and avoiding embalming with toxic chemicals. The bill stipulates that green burials can only occur in designated cemeteries that permit such practices and are compliant with relevant local ordinances and regulations. During the moratorium, no new green burials will be authorized without meeting these criteria, ensuring a controlled approach to this burial method during the study period.
Contention
The introduction of this moratorium has raised discussions regarding the balance between innovative burial practices and the necessity of maintaining rigorous health and environmental regulations. Supporters argue that the moratorium allows for essential research to ensure that green burials do not pose risks to the environment or public health. Critics may view this as a bureaucratic hurdle that hampers the rights of individuals pursuing environmentally friendly burial options. Overall, HF2605 highlights a significant regulatory approach to a growing trend in green burials, balancing cultural choices with health and environmental responsibility.
Conversion of human remains to basic elements using natural organic reduction permitted, licensure requirements for natural organic reduction facilities established, and licensure fees established.