Minnesota Environmental Review - Who is the RGU?

In Minnesota, any environmental review begins by determining what organization will serve as the Responsible Government Unit, or RGU. This includes Environmental Assessment Worksheets (EAW) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS). Minnesota rules list what organizations serve as the RGU for all projects that must undergo some sort of mandatory review. State organizations that serve as RGUs include the Environmental Quality Board (EQB), Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR), Dept. of Transportation (MDOT) and the Dept. of Health (MDH). The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) serves as the RGU for some types of airport projects. Local units of government serve as the RGU for many smaller scale projects.

If a unit of government orders some form of discretionary environmental review, that unit of government also serves as the RGU. In some instances, the EQB has the authority to change the RGU. The EQB can make this change only if the newly appointed RGU has greater expertise in analyzing the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project.

Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to Minnesota project proposers in the completion of Environmental Assessment Worksheets, Environmental Impact Statements, and Environmental Analysis required to determine Categorical Exclusion under NEPA.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at
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Caltha LLP Website